curriculum vitae
noun
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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
Brooke Conrad, Baltimore Sun, 7 Nov. 2024
His 2016 curriculum vitae listed seven golf club memberships, including Augusta National (founded by Jones), and nine former golf club memberships.
—Robert D. Hershey Jr., New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024
Mere footnotes at the bottom of Brady’s pigskin curriculum vitae.
—Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023
There is an exchange of anecdotes rather than information—a focus on that part of you that is separate from your curriculum vitae.
—Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 3 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for curriculum vitae
Cite this Entry
“Curriculum vitae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curriculum%20vitae. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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