curriculum

American  

[kuh-rik-yuh-luhm] / kəˈrɪk yə ləm /

noun

plural

curricula, curriculums

1. the aggregate of courses of study given in a school, college, university, etc..

   The school is adding more science courses to its curriculum.

2. the regular or a particular course of study in a school, college, etc.

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curriculum British  

/ kəˈrɪkjʊləm /

noun

1. a course of study in one subject at a school or college

2. a list of all the courses of study offered by a school or college

3. any programme or plan of activities

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Usage

Plural word for curriculum The plural form of curriculum can be either curricula or curriculums, although curricula is more commonly used. The plurals of several other singular words that end in -um are also formed in the same way, including memorandum/memoranda, and bacterium/bacteria. Irregular plurals that are formed like curricula derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin. However, the usual plural -s ending is often also acceptable for many of these terms, as in curriculums and memorandums.

Other Word Forms

• curricular adjective
• precurriculum noun

Etymology

Origin of curriculum

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin: “action of running, course of action, race, chariot,” equivalent to curr(ere) “to run” + -i- -i- + -culum -cule ²

Example Sentences

In response, universities, nonprofits and private consultants across the U.S. have developed curricula for law enforcement on how to recognize autistic behaviors and adapt accordingly.

From Los Angeles Times

The government is due to publish its proposals for schools in a white paper on Monday, and Milburn says it needs to make sure the curriculum is aligned with what employers need.

From BBC

The local school, located on a street named after a famed Russian explorer, has three dozen children learning the Russian curriculum.

From The Wall Street Journal

It can hire faculty, often with the explicit aim of diversifying political and intellectual viewpoints, set curriculum and offer classes.

From The Wall Street Journal

"There is no real teaching of the history of Africa in the school curriculum, we don't necessarily have particularly extensive archives."

From Barron's

Related Words

• educational program
• syllabus