SKIP TO CONTENT

syllabus

/ˈsɪləbəs/
/ˈsɪləbəs/
IPA guide

Other forms: syllabi; syllabuses

A syllabus is a document that outlines everything that will be covered in a class. A syllabus for World Domination 101 might include: strategies for brainwashing the masses, creating an army on a budget, cultivating absolute certainty, and so on.

The noun syllabus comes from the Late Latin word syllabus, meaning “list.” When you teach a class you may be required to make an outline of what you will expect the students to do in your class. That’s the syllabus. A syllabus could vaguely mention the topics that will be covered each week or it can be a detailed synopsis of every reading assignment, homework expectation, and exam question. Syllabus style is the teacher’s choice.

Definitions of syllabus
  1. noun
    a summary or outline of what will be covered in an academic course
    see moresee less
    type of:
    sum-up, summary
    a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form
  2. noun
    an integrated course of academic studies
    see moresee less
    types:
    crash course, crash program, crash programme
    a rapid and intense course of training or research (usually undertaken in an emergency)
    reading program
    a program designed to teach literacy skills
    degree program
    a course of study leading to an academic degree
    type of:
    info, information
    a message received and understood
Pronunciation
US
/ˈsɪləbəs/
UK
/ˈsɪləbəs/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘syllabus'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family