curly

1 of 2

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

curliness

2 of 2

noun

curl·​i·​ness
ˈkər-lē-nəs
plural -es
: the quality or state of being curly

Synonyms of curly

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Adjective

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Examples of curly in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Finely chopping the curly kale gives you that perfect texture that's right on par with the chain. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026 Minetree wore her blonde hair in a curly updo and kept her accessories minimal. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 The 27-year-old styled her hair in a voluminous updo with braids and curly tendrils framing her glam for the evening. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 June 2026 Teyana Taylor Teyana Taylor once again departed from her curly pixie cut, styling straight extensions in its place. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for curly

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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 8 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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