WordGarden.iocurly
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɜːli/
US
- /ˈkɜrli/
Meanings
Adjective
forming curls or coils rather than lying straight
difficult, awkward, or tricky to answer or handle
used of quotation marks, braces, or similar symbols that are curved rather than straight
Beyond the definition
Think of a playful puppy's tail wagging with energy – that's often curly! It describes something having curves and twists instead of being straight. You might have curly hair, a curly slide at the playground, or even a curly mustache.
The word "curly" isn't just about appearance, though. In some varieties of English, a "curly question" is one that's tricky to answer, full of unexpected turns. It can also describe something fancy and decorative—like curly ironwork on a gate. So next time you see a spiral seashell or a ribbon tied in a loop, remember the word curly—it's all about those delightful bends and twists.
The word curly describes something that has curves, coils, or spirals rather than being straight. It's most commonly used to describe hair – think of ringlets, waves, or tight coils. "She had long, curly brown hair that bounced as she walked." But its reach extends far beyond hairstyles!
You can find curly describing shapes: a curly road winding through the hills, a curly vine climbing a trellis, or even the curly tail of a pig. It's about anything that deviates from a straight line and embraces a playful, twisting form.
Beyond physical descriptions, curly can also be used figuratively. In some varieties of English, a "curly question" is one that's complex and difficult to answer directly—it has many twists and turns before you reach the solution. You may also hear "a bit curly" to mean something is difficult, awkward, or not straightforward.
In some contexts, especially when talking about design or lettering, "curl" can refer to an ornamental flourish. These decorative swirls add elegance and style. This idea matches how curly can suggest not just a shape, but also a decorative look.
So whether you're admiring a head full of ringlets, navigating a winding road, or pondering a tricky problem, remember that curly is all about embracing the bend, the twist, and the delightful deviation from straight lines.
Examples
- 1
Hair appearance
She has short, curly hair.
- 2
Humid weather
My hair gets curly when the weather is humid.
- 3
Animal fur
They adopted a small dog with soft, curly fur.
- 4
Compound adjective
I recognized him right away because he was the only curly-haired kid in the photo.
- Phrasecurly-haired
having curly hair
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Snack food
We shared a basket of curly fries.
- Phrasecurly fries
fries cut in a spiral shape
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- curlyadjective
Forms
- curliercomparativeadjective
- curliestsuperlativeadjective