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Synonyms

module

American  
[moj-ool] / ˈmɒdʒ ul /

noun

  1. a separable component, frequently one that is interchangeable with others, for assembly into units of differing size, complexity, or function.

  2. any of the individual, self-contained segments of a spacecraft, designed to perform a particular task.

    the spacecraft's command module; a lunar module.

  3. a standard or unit for measuring.

  4. a selected unit of measure, ranging in size from a few inches to several feet, used as a basis for the planning and standardization of building materials.

  5. Mathematics. an Abelian group with a set of left or right operators forming a ring such that for any two operators and any group element the result of having the first operator act on the element, giving a second element, and the second operator act on the second element is equal to the result of having a single operator, formed by adding or multiplying the two operators, act on the first element.

  6. Computers.

    1. part of a program that performs a distinct function.

    2. an interchangeable, plug-in hardware unit.


module British  
/ ˈmɒdjuːl /

noun

  1. a self-contained unit or item, such as an assembly of electronic components and associated wiring or a segment of computer software, which itself performs a defined task and can be linked with other such units to form a larger system

  2. a standard unit of measure, esp one used to coordinate the dimensions of buildings and components; in classical architecture, half the diameter of a column at the base of the shaft

  3. a standardized unit designed to be added to or used as part of an arrangement of similar units, as in furniture

  4. astronautics any of several self-contained separable units making up a spacecraft or launch vehicle, each of which has one or more specified tasks

    command module

    service module

  5. education a short course of study, esp of a vocational or technical subject, that together with other such completed courses can count towards a particular qualification

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of module

1555–65; < Latin modulus; modulus

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the spacecraft includes a module where the astronauts live and work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The company is moving to sell a comprehensive external laser module that serves as a source of light for large clusters of chips.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Nvidia described the Vera Rubin module as being optimized for AI, enabling real-time sensing, decision making, and autonomous functioning.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

A university has issued a content warning for a literature module featuring Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, warning students it contains "distressing" material.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Such a module should have never been built in the first place, in my opinion.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly