# extracurricular

/ˌɛkstɹəkɝˈɪkjəɫɝ/ (US) · /ˌɛkstɹəkəɹˈɪkjʊlɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extracurricular
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing activities that are not part of the official school or college classes. You join these to have fun or learn new skills outside of your regular lessons.

For teachers: relating to activities that are not part of the official academic curriculum. Often used to describe clubs, sports, or volunteer work that students participate in during their free time.

## Examples

- She joined several extracurricular clubs at her new school.
- The university encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities to develop leadership and social skills.
- While the academic requirements are rigorous, the school also places a high value on extracurricular involvement, believing that a well-rounded education requires both intellectual and personal growth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.