extracurricular
Americanadjective
-
outside the regular curriculum or program of courses.
football, orchestra, and other extracurricular activities.
-
outside one's regular work, responsibilities, or routine.
-
Informal. outside the conventional bounds of propriety or ethics.
Does his wife know he has an extracurricular girlfriend?
adjective
-
taking place outside the normal school timetable
extracurricular activities
-
beyond the regular duties, schedule, etc
Etymology
Origin of extracurricular
First recorded in 1920–25; extra- + curricular ( def. )
Explanation
Something extracurricular takes place in addition to your regular school or work duties. Being involved in extracurricular activities in high school — like sports or journalism — can help you get accepted to the college of your choice. Extracurricular is a combination of the Latin prefix extra- meaning "on the outside" and the word curriculum, meaning "a running, course, career." Something that is extracurricular is on the outside of your course or career. When you get involved in an extracurricular activity, you are going outside of what's expected. Extracurricular can also refer to a spouse's adulterous activities, taking place outside of their marriage commitment.
Vocabulary lists containing extracurricular
The Vocabulary of College
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Make a Run for It: Cur, Curs
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Words with 15 or More Letters, List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Extracurricular and co-curricular activities, however, can resume as planned Monday, according to the governor’s office.
From Washington Times • Jul. 3, 2020
Extracurricular exploits aside, the Rams are in their first NFC title game in 17 years because of the way they manhandled the Cowboys on both sides of the line.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2019
Extracurricular activities were also beyond the reach of many of the poorest families.
From The Guardian • Sep. 12, 2018
Extracurricular activities have also expanded from just a step team to clubs like robotics, and an athletic program that includes cheerleading, basketball, and track and field.
From Washington Post • Jun. 4, 2016
Extracurricular activities are well-established at the school, with chess clubs, animal care groups, and “duelling clubs” all vying for popularity.
From Slate • Nov. 5, 2013
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
