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curriculum vitae

noun
cur·​ric·​u·​lum vi·​tae | \ kə-ˈri-kyə-ləm-ˈvē-ˌtī How to pronounce curriculum vitae (audio) , -kə-ləm-, -ˈwē-ˌtī, -ˈvī-ˌtē How to pronounce curriculum vitae (audio) \
plural curricula vitae\ kə-​ˈri-​kyə-​lə-​ˈvē-​ˌtī How to pronounce curricula vitae (audio) , -​kə-​lə-​ , -​ˈwē-​ˌtī , -​ˈvī-​ˌtē \

Definition of curriculum vitae

: a short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position Applicants for the fellowship are asked to submit a curriculum vitae.
The Different Plural Forms of Curriculum More Example Sentences Learn More about curriculum vitae

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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 vitae in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Ars didn't spot any mention of Smith's founding role in CERT in any of his academic documents online, such as his curriculum vitae. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "The secretive nonprofit that made millions suing companies over cancer warnings," 6 June 2019 Hota received a degree in medicine from the University of Miami School of Medicine in May 1999, a copy of his curriculum vitae released by the county shows. — Gregory Pratt, chicagotribune.com, "Doctor working for Cook County tallied $248K in unauthorized expenses — including piano, flights, iTunes charges," 17 Apr. 2018 And the curriculum vitae required of a White House cybersecurity guru makes for a fairly limited pool of potential candidates. — Brian Barrett, WIRED, "The White House Loses Its Cybersecurity Brain Trust," 16 Apr. 2018 The post What is the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae? appeared first on TheJobNetwork. — Eric Titner, USA TODAY, "Job search: What is the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae?," 8 Apr. 2018 There are other parts of his curriculum vitae that make the barons of golf cringe (and not undeservedly). — Tim Layden, SI.com, "Patrick Reed Can't Be Denied as He Bucks Convention to Win at Augusta," 8 Apr. 2018 Jaeger is also currently working under another $1.4 million NSF grant, according to his curriculum vitae. — Emily Atkin, New Republic, "Why Scientists Accused of Sexual Misconduct Can Still Get Government Grants," 25 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curriculum vitae.' 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 vitae

1902, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for curriculum vitae

Latin, course of (one's) life

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More Definitions for curriculum vitae

curriculum vitae

noun
How to pronounce curriculum vitae (audio) How to pronounce curriculum vitae (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of curriculum vitae

chiefly British : a short document that describes your education, work experience, etc.

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

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