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curriculum

noun
cur·​ric·​u·​lum | \ kə-ˈri-kyə-ləm How to pronounce curriculum (audio) \
plural curricula\ kə-​ˈri-​kyə-​lə How to pronounce curricula (audio) \ also curriculums

Definition of curriculum

1 : the courses offered by an educational institution the high school curriculum
2 : a set of courses constituting an area of specialization the engineering curriculum the biological sciences curriculum the liberal arts curriculum
The Different Plural Forms of Curriculum More Example Sentences Learn More about curriculum

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The Different Plural Forms of Curriculum

Curriculum is from New Latin (a post-medieval form of Latin used mainly in churches and schools and for scientific coinages), in which language it means “a course of study.” It shares its ultimate root in classical Latin, where it meant “running” or “course” (as in “race course”), with words such as corridor, courier, and currency, all of which come from Latin currere “to run.”

As is the case with many nouns borrowed directly from Latin, there is often some confusion as to the proper way to form its plural. Both curricula and curriculums are considered correct.

This word is frequently seen in conjunction with vitae; a curriculum vitae (Latin for “course of (one’s) life”) is “a short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position” – in other words, a résumé. Curriculum vitae is abbreviated CV, and is pluralized as curricula vitae.

Examples of curriculum in a Sentence

The college has a liberal arts curriculum.

Recent Examples on the Web

 One of Tulloch’s students had no interest in the core school curriculum and was at risk of dropping out. — Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Here are San Diego County’s five Teachers of the Year," 7 Sep. 2019 In the Sanford curriculum, the norm-setting process that has traditionally been implicit and internal becomes explicit and external. — Max C. Eden, National Review, "The Latest Education-Policy Fad Amounts to Social and Emotional Engineering," 27 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curriculum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of curriculum

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for curriculum

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Latin, "action of running, course of action, race," from currere "to run" + -i- -i- + -culum, suffix of instrument and place (going back to Indo-European *-tlom) — more at current entry 1

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More Definitions for curriculum

curriculum

noun
How to pronounce curriculum (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of curriculum

formal : the courses that are taught by a school, college, etc.

See the full definition for curriculum in the English Language Learners Dictionary

curriculum

noun
cur·​ric·​u·​lum | \ kə-ˈri-kyə-ləm How to pronounce curriculum (audio) \
plural curricula\ -​lə \ also curriculums

Kids Definition of curriculum

: all the courses of study offered by a school

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More from Merriam-Webster on curriculum

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with curriculum

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for curriculum

Spanish Central: Translation of curriculum

Nglish: Translation of curriculum for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of curriculum for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curriculum

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