curriculum

noun

cur·​ric·​u·​lum kə-ˈri-kyə-ləm 

plural curricula kə-ˈri-kyə-lə  also curriculums

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

Did you know?

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

According to the district, curriculum, instruction, professional learning and leadership actions would be aligned across the district. —Brooke Muckerman, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Mar. 2026

At least three curriculum committee members voiced concerns about Uthmeier’s drip-feed approach to assigning class readings and a lack of clear grading standards. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

Fifty-three schools across 31 states have agreed to assess their current curriculum and post plans for reaching roughly 40 hours of nutrition education or an equivalent starting this coming fall, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. —Rachel Roubein, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2026

The initiative is meant not to mandate a specific curriculum, the officials said, but to provide a framework that schools can adapt. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing curriculum

• curriculum vitae

Rhymes for curriculum

• reticulum
• diverticulum

Kids Definition

curriculum

noun

cur·​ric·​u·​lum kə-ˈrik-yə-ləm 

plural curricula -lə  also curriculums

: all the courses of study offered by a school

curricular

-lər

adjective