Definition

Related to activities that are not part of the regular school curriculum, often organized and approved by the school, such as sports or clubs.

Example

She participates in several extracurricular activities, including the debate team and the soccer club.

Conversation

Are you planning to join any extracurricular activities this semester?

Yeah, I'm thinking about the soccer team and the drama club.

That sounds fun! I heard the extracurricular programs really help you make friends.

Definitely! Plus, they look great on college applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extracurricular is formed from "extra-" (meaning outside) and "curriculum" (from Latin "curriculum", meaning a course or a running). The word refers to activities that are outside the regular course of study.

Memory Tip

Think of activities that are 'outside' ('extra-') the regular 'course' ('curriculum') of school — that's what extracurricular means.

Visually Confused Words