scheme (plural schemes) 1  A systematic plan of future action. Jonathan Swift The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes. 2  A plot or secret, devious plan. 3  An orderly combination of related parts. John Locke the appearance and outward scheme of things. Atterbury such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity. J. Edwards arguments […] sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy.