WordGarden.iocurl
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɜːl/
US
- /ˈkɜrl/
Meanings
Verb
to bend, twist, or move into a curved or coiled shape
Noun
a curved, coiled, or spiral shape
a ringlet or curved lock of hair
an exercise in which a weight is lifted by bending an arm or leg
More meaningsFewer meanings
a command-line tool for transferring data with URLs
a vector-calculus operator that measures local rotation
Beyond the definition
A curl can be the graceful bend in a strand of hair, the way smoke spirals upward from a fire, or the rounded shape created when you bend an object. Think of a pig's tail—it naturally curls! The verb "to curl" means to form into this rounded shape. For instance, a leaf might curl at the edges as it dries, or you might curl your eyelashes with a special tool. It also relates to the sport of curling, where players make a stone "curl"—or bend its path—across the ice. Sometimes, "curl" is used figuratively, such as when someone "curls up" with a good book, meaning they have snuggled into a comfortable, rounded position.
The word "curl" describes a rounded, looping, or twisting form. It is a versatile term that appears in many different contexts, from nature to the gym. You might picture the gentle curl of ocean waves as they break on the shore, the tight ringlets in someone's hair, or even a "biceps curl" performed during a workout. A curl can be naturally occurring—like the tendrils of a vine wrapping around a trellis—or deliberately created, such as when you use scissors to curl ribbon for a gift.
As a verb, "to curl" means to form or move into this curved shape. You might curl your fingers around a warm mug, curl up on the sofa with a blanket, or watch a metal sheet curl under the heat of a torch. In the world of sports, "curling" involves sliding stones across ice toward a target; the name itself comes from the player's ability to make the stone "curl" (deviate from a straight line) as it travels.
Figuratively, "curl" often suggests gentleness or comfort. To "curl up" with something implies seeking warmth and relaxation. However, the word can also convey negative emotions; a "curled lip," for example, typically indicates a sneer of disdain or disapproval. Whether describing a physical spiral, an athletic pursuit, or a cozy feeling, "curl" evokes images of loops, bends, and fluid movement—a subtle yet powerful form in the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Natural hair
Her hair curls naturally in humid weather.
- 2
Hair styling
He used a brush to curl the ends of her hair.
- 3
Hair texture
She has tight curls, but her sister’s hair is completely straight.
- 4
Smoke movement
Smoke curled up from the chimney.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Paper edges
The corners of the old photo had started to curl.
- 6
Holding something
She curled her fingers around the hot mug.
- 7
Resting position
The cat curled up on the sofa and went to sleep.
- Phrasecurl up
bend your body into a round, comfortable shape
- 8
Reading comfort
On rainy evenings, I like to curl up with a good novel.
- Patterncurl up with + thing
sit or lie down comfortably with it
- 9
Dislike
His lip curled when he heard the excuse.
- Phrase
a curled lip can show dislike or contempt
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- curlnounverb
Forms
- curling-ing formverbnoun
- curlspluralnounverb
- curledpast tenseverbnoun