curly

adjective

ˈkər-lē How to pronounce curly (audio)
curlier; curliest
Synonyms of curlynext
1
: tending to curl
also : having curls
curly hair
2
: having the grain composed of fibers that undulate without crossing and that often form alternating light and dark lines
curly maple
curliness noun

Synonyms of curly

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Examples of curly in a Sentence

She has curly hair and blue eyes. The dog's tail is curly.
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.
One of the few is Andie MacDowell, who’s maintained curly hair throughout her entire career, nonetheless. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 The phone on the wall rang, and Rebecca snatched the receiver, then pulled the curly cord down the steps to the basement and shut the door. — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026 At the film’s Shanghai premiere, her short, curly cut was replaced with long, straight locks and choppy baby bangs. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 Mannequin heads stare at you through the storefront window, each topped with a wildly unique hairpiece – one with long, curly, bubblegum pink locks; another with a bright orange bob. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for curly

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curly was in 1598

Phrases Containing curly

Rhymes for curly

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Browse Nearby Words

curl up
curly
curly birch
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Cite this Entry

“Curly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curly. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

curly

adjective
ˈkər-lē How to pronounce curly (audio)
curlier; curliest
: tending to curl
also : having curls
curly hair
curliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on curly

Nglish: Translation of curly for Spanish Speakers

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