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.
There, her hair was styled in light brown curly braids that flowed down her back. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026 At these incandescent parties, Trakata founder Tani Shimizu, a 26-year-old trans man, can be found entrenched on the dance floor, often perreando with one or more beautiful, curly-haired femmes. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 But what felt right for the day of the wedding was a curly updo. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 Her curly hair was styled in a half-up, half-down look courtesy of Lacy Redway. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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