curriculum

[ kuh-rik-yuh-luhm ]

noun

, plural cur·ric·u·la [k, uh, -, rik, -y, uh, -l, uh], cur·ric·u·lums.

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.

curriculum

/ 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

Derived Forms

• curˈricular, adjective

Other Words From

• cur·ric·u·lar adjective
• pre·cur·ric·u·lum noun plural precurriculums precurricula

Word History and Origins

Origin of curriculum¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of curriculum¹

C19: from Latin: course, from currere to run

Example Sentences

Madison Miner, the Orange County chair of Moms for Liberty, a conservative organization that opposes curricula about LGBTQ+ rights, race and ethnicity, called McMahon a “wonderful choice.”

From Los Angeles Times

Also under review would be changes needed to curriculum at all grade levels to prepare students for high school coursework in this area.

From Los Angeles Times

Classes and sometimes entire schools for gifted students often had richer curricula and more resources.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the researchers, humanities can enrich and complement residency curriculum, but beyond any potential educational benefit, they offer a unique and safe space for self-reflection and personal growth.

From Science Daily

I didn’t come to my L.A. school’s campus in August to set up my classroom, or spend my last days of summer mapping the upcoming curriculum.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• educational program
• syllabus

What Is The Plural Of Curriculum?

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.