extracurricular

adjective

ex·​tra·​cur·​ric·​u·​lar ˌek-strə-kə-ˈri-kyə-lər How to pronounce extracurricular (audio)
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
extracurricular noun

Examples of extracurricular in a Sentence

hired a private detective to investigate her husband's extracurricular activities
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For years, students and parents have focused on grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities as the main pillars of a strong college application. Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025 In addition to playing on her high school badminton team, Ava’s extracurricular activities have included an Alzheimer’s fundraising club at Canyon Crest Academy and founding a student chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025 To be eligible, applicants must score 32 or better on the ACT and have a high school GPA of at least 3.9, with community service, extracurricular activities and evidence of intellectual curiosity, leadership, and creativity also considered. arkansasonline.com, 7 July 2025 Those factors can look like children and teenagers not having access to a high-quality education or extracurricular activities like summer camps. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for extracurricular

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extracurricular was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Extracurricular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extracurricular. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

extracurricular

adjective
ex·​tra·​cur·​ric·​u·​lar ˌek-strə-kə-ˈrik-yə-lər How to pronounce extracurricular (audio)
: of or relating to those activities (as athletics) that are offered by a school but are not part of the course of study

More from Merriam-Webster on extracurricular

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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