curriculum
noun
also curriculums
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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 in a Sentence
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 29 Jan. 2025
The mandate will likely face court challenges since the federal government does not have the authority to set curriculum for U.S. schools.
—Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
During the three-year process, the program was evaluated on curriculum, faculty qualifications and student-to-faculty ratio.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
Despite recurring concerns about the challenges liberal arts graduates face on the job market, many students still dream of studying the humanities at an Ivy League institution, where renowned faculty members and innovative curricula attract top students.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for curriculum 
Dictionary Entries Near curriculum
Cite this Entry
“Curriculum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curriculum. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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curriculum
noun
also curriculums
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