What does route mean?
A route is a way or course taken from one place to another, especially when travelling. It can also refer to an established path for vehicles, pedestrians, or communication, or figuratively to a method of proceeding. As a verb, route means to direct or send something along a particular course, such as routing a delivery through a city or sending an enquiry to the correct department. The word is used in both everyday and formal contexts, including transport, tourism, logistics, business, and telecommunications. Its common figurative meaning makes it useful for describing not only physical journeys but also the deliberate direction of an action or communication. In everyday English, a route may be chosen for convenience, speed, scenery, or avoidance of obstacles, while professional contexts often emphasize planning, regulation, and the movement of people, goods, or information.
A way or course taken between two places, especially when travelling; a path or planned direction of movement.
"The shortest route passes directly through the park."
Used literally for physical paths and figuratively for a method or direction of action.
To direct or send someone or something along a particular course or via a designated way.
"The dispatcher routed the truck around the roadworks."
Common in transport, logistics, telecommunications, and administrative contexts.
The plural is formed by adding -s. The plural is commonly used for multiple travel paths, transport corridors, or prescribed courses.
"The company mapped several delivery routes across the region."
The word route comes from Latin rupta, literally a broken road: a path made by breaking through the landscape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does route come from?
The English word route comes through Old French route from Latin rupta, a feminine past participle of rumpere, meaning to break. The underlying sense was a road or path broken through the land, later developing into the modern meaning of a course or way. The same Latin root is preserved in words such as rupture, abrupt, and interrupt, which all involve breaking or breaking through in their original development.
Related word forms
How route is actually used
The word is neutral and common in British and American English. The noun often implies a chosen or established course, while the verb commonly means to direct something toward a particular destination or department.
Easily confused with route
A route is a path or course to follow, while a rout is a complete defeat or disorderly retreat.