schedule

American  

[skej-ool, -ool, -oo-uhl, shed-yool, shej-ool] / ˈskɛdʒ ul, -ʊl, -u əl, ˈʃɛd yul, ˈʃɛdʒ ul /

noun

1. a plan of procedure, usually written, for a proposed objective, especially with reference to the sequence of and time allotted for each item or operation necessary to its completion.

   The schedule allows three weeks for this stage.

2. a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular time or period.

   He always has a full schedule.

3. a timetable.

4. a written or printed statement of details, often in classified or tabular form, especially one forming an appendix or explanatory addition to another document.

   Synonyms:

   register, table

5. Obsolete. a written paper.

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verb (used with object)

scheduled, scheduling

1. to make a schedule of or enter in a schedule.

   Synonyms:

   tabulate, enroll, list, register

2. to plan for a certain date.

   to schedule publication for June.

schedule British  

/ ˈʃɛdjuːl, ˈskɛdʒʊəl /

noun

1. a plan of procedure for a project, allotting the work to be done and the time for it

2. a list of items

   a schedule of fixed prices

3. a list of times, esp of arrivals and departures; timetable

4. a list of tasks to be performed, esp within a set period

5. law a list or inventory, usually supplementary to a contract, will, etc

6. at the expected or planned time

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verb

1. to make a schedule of or place in a schedule

2. to plan to occur at a certain time

schedule Idioms  

1. see on schedule.

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Related Words

See list ¹.

Other Word Forms

• preschedule verb (used with object)
• schedular adjective
• scheduler noun
• subschedule noun
• unscheduled adjective
• well-scheduled adjective

Etymology

Origin of schedule

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Late Latin schedula, equivalent to Latin sched(a) “leaf of paper” + -ula noun suffix ( -ule ); replacing Middle English cedule, sedule, from Middle French, from Late Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Superata said that fewer young Japanese want a life that demands huge discipline and comes with a strict practise schedule.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“My sleep schedule is super, super weird,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Reader Stacey from Rancho Santa Margarita, who has only missed two Coachellas since the beginning, also offered a great tip: Eat your meals off schedule to avoid long food lines.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Roughly one in four workers operates outside the standard 9 to 5 schedule, including those who begin work very early in the morning.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

Everything is on schedule, which is to say everything is way behind schedule.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

Related Words

• agenda
• calendar
• chart
• itinerary
• lineup
• list
• program
• record
• roster
• timetable