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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/
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