extracurricular

adjective

ex·​tra·​cur·​ric·​u·​lar ˌek-strə-kə-ˈri-kyə-lər 

1

: not falling within the scope of a regular curriculum

specifically : of or relating to officially or semiofficially approved and usually organized student activities (such as athletics) connected with school and usually carrying no academic credit

extracurricular sports

2

a

: lying outside one's regular duties or routine

b

: extramarital

extracurricular noun

Synonyms

• extramarital
• adulterous

Examples of extracurricular in a Sentence

hired a private detective to investigate her husband's extracurricular activities

Recent Examples on the Web

Admissions officers assess your extracurricular record with an eye to initiative and authenticity. —Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Vazquez said she was impressed by how detailed the handbook is, promising a safe educational environment and opportunities for athletics and extracurricular activities. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025

The annual contest, which judges canines on their extracurricular activities and not-so-cute appearances, helps pet shelters find animals forever homes. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

Farther down the list, smaller numbers of parents cited such factors as a lack of resources (10%); limitations on extracurricular activities (9%); a lack of special education services (9%); and lack of support for low-income students (8%). —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extracurricular

• periarticular
• supraclavicular
• acicular
• articular
• curricular
• cuticular
• funicular
• lenticular
• navicular
• particular
• radicular
• reticular

Kids Definition

extracurricular

adjective

ex·​tra·​cur·​ric·​u·​lar ˌek-strə-kə-ˈrik-yə-lər 

: of or relating to those activities (as athletics) that are offered by a school but are not part of the course of study