curiosity

noun

cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
ˌkyər-
plural curiosities
Synonyms of curiosity
1
: desire to know:
a
: inquisitive interest in others' concerns : nosiness
The construction inside their house aroused the curiosity of their neighbors.
b
: interest leading to inquiry
intellectual curiosity
Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
2
archaic : undue nicety or fastidiousness
3
a
: one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics
Tobacco was once regarded as a curiosity in Europe.
b
: an unusual knickknack : curio
The antique shop was full of curiosities.
c
: a curious trait or aspect

Synonyms of curiosity

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Examples of curiosity in a Sentence

Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions. The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted the curiosity of their neighbors. The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination. Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe. The antique shop was full of curiosities.
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.
Far fewer people were considering how easier access to information might change human curiosity itself. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Such interactions suggest that primates may possess a broader capacity for social flexibility, curiosity and tolerance towards other species than researchers previously appreciated. — Cyril Grueter, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026 The Moon enters Gemini and your 5th House of Creativity, Romance, and Pleasure, bringing curiosity, humor, flirtation, and expressive momentum. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Lenae welcomes an adventurous curiosity without being too hard on herself when her heart ends up on the chopping block. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curiosity

Word History

Etymology

see curious

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curiosity was in the 14th century

Rhymes for curiosity

See All Rhymes for curiosity

Browse Nearby Words

curiosa felicitas
curiosity
curioso
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

curiosity

noun
cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
plural curiosities
1
: an eager desire to learn and often to learn what does not concern one : inquisitiveness
2
a
: something strange or unusual
the curiosities of nature
b
: curio

More from Merriam-Webster on curiosity

Nglish: Translation of curiosity for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curiosity

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