plan

1 of 3

noun

ˈplan 

1

: a drawing or diagram drawn on a plane: such as

a

: a top or horizontal view of an object

b

: a large-scale map of a small area

2

a

: a method for achieving an end

b

: an often customary method of doing something : procedure

c

: a detailed formulation of a program of action

d

: goal, aim

3

: an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective

4

: a detailed program (as for payment or the provision of some service)

pension plan

planless

ˈplan-ləs 

adjective

planlessly adverb

planlessness noun

plan

2 of 3

verb

planned; planning

transitive verb

1

: to arrange the parts of : design

plan a new layout

2

: to devise or project the realization or achievement of

planned their escape

3

: to have in mind : intend

plans to leave soon

intransitive verb

1

: to make plans

plan ahead

2

: to have a specified intention

—used with on

plans on going

plan-

3 of 3

combining form

variants or plano-

1

: flat

planography

2

: flat and

plano-concave

Synonyms

Noun

• arrangement
• blueprint
• design
• game
• game plan
• ground plan
• master plan
• program
• project
• road map
• scheme
• strategy
• system

Verb

• arrange
• blueprint
• budget
• calculate
• chart
• choreograph
• design
• frame
• lay out
• map (out)
• organize
• prepare
• project
• scheme (out)
• shape
• strategize (about)

Choose the Right Synonym for plan

plan, design, plot, scheme, project mean a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end.

plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest.

a scheme to defraud the government

project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

Examples of plan in a Sentence

Noun

the army's plan of attack

We need to agree on a plan of action.

Our plan was to have the guests park on the street, not the lawn.

When we met them at the restaurant, they said there had been a change of plan.

He changed his long-distance plan.

Verb

We are busy planning the party.

The prisoners spent months planning their escape.

a teacher planning her next lesson

The students are planning a protest.

We have something very special planned for your birthday.

Their wedding is planned for June.

a planned series of books about cars

Things don't always go as planned.

Always remember to plan ahead.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Whether committing to a new fitness plan, redefining your daily habits or getting more organized in your work life, this lunation encourages you to create a routine that supports your well-being in the long-term. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Dec. 2024

For Hochman, the plan is to balance effective criminal justice reform with prioritizing public safety. —Emma Tucker, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024

Verb

Past the money, the film itself purposefully sets up a future threat in a mid-credits scene meant to act as a cliffhanger for an eventual sequel, which would likely not exist if one was not planned. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Shiffrin plans to race the super-G on Sunday, Dec. 15. —Peggy Shinn, Outside Online, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, plane, foundation, ground plan; partly from Latin planum level ground, from neuter of planus level; partly from French planter to plant, fix in place, from Late Latin plantare — more at floor, plant

Combining form

Latin planus

First Known Use

Noun

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 2c

Verb

1718, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Phrases Containing plan

• according to plan
• American plan
• change of plan
• commission plan
• contingency plan
• European plan
• flight plan
• floor plan
• game plan
• ground plan
• installment plan
• Keogh plan
• master plan
• open-plan
• pension plan
• plan B
• plan of action
• plan of attack
• plan position indicator
• pre-plan
• retirement plan
• seating arrangement/plan
• seating plan

Kids Definition

plan

1 of 2 noun

ˈplan 

1

: a drawing or diagram showing the parts or outline of something

2

: a method or scheme of acting, doing, or arranging

a civil defense plan

vacation plans

3

: goal sense 2, aim

our plan was to stop them at the bridge

planless

-ləs 

adjective

plan

2 of 2 verb

planned; planning

1

: to form a plan of or for : to arrange the parts or details of ahead of time

plan a church

plan a party

2

: to have in mind : intend

3

: to make plans

planner noun

Legal Definition

plan

noun

1

: a diagram of an area of land (as a subdivision) filed in the registry of deeds see also plot plan

2

: a detailed program

especially : one made under chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code that places future earnings under the control of a trustee, provides for the payment of creditors, and is subject to approval by the creditors