curlier; curliest
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

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.
With the pop star’s meteoric rise came a laser focus on her curly, fiery auburn hair, particularly during stops on the summer festival circuit and her electrifying performance (plus Best New Artist win) at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Avery Stone, Allure, 17 Apr. 2025 The Manageability Plea One of the biggest arguments for being a straight natural is the claim that straightened hair is easier to deal with than curly hair. Tayler Adigun, Essence, 16 Apr. 2025 The man had short, curly black hair and was wearing a brown leather jacket, a fluorescent green sweatshirt, a gray-and-black hooded shirt, black sweatpants, camouflage shorts and light brown boots. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025 Dylan is white with brown eyes and curly brown hair. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curly. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

curly

adjective
curlier; curliest
: tending to curl
also : having curls
curly hair
curliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on curly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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