curiosity

noun

cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
ˌkyər-
plural curiosities
1
: desire to know:
a
: inquisitive interest in others' concerns : nosiness
The construction inside their house aroused the curiosity of their neighbors.
b
: interest leading to inquiry
intellectual curiosity
Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
2
archaic : undue nicety or fastidiousness
3
a
: one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics
Tobacco was once regarded as a curiosity in Europe.
b
: an unusual knickknack : curio
The antique shop was full of curiosities.
c
: a curious trait or aspect

Examples of curiosity in a Sentence

Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions. The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted the curiosity of their neighbors. The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination. Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe. The antique shop was full of curiosities.
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.
For a bubble playoff team, there’s been more trade deadline curiosity than expected with the Blues, and now with the injury to Parayko, it’s added a little more regarding their intentions. Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025 Organizations are inspired by leaders who model curiosity—who aren't afraid to explore new ideas, sometimes fail and embrace the learnings that come with failure. Michael Horowitz, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Bacon is at the height of his fame in the 1960s when a would-be thief breaks into his studio – sparking curiosity and desire in the artist’s eye. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025 Young dogs and puppies are especially notorious for their curiosity and tendency to chew on anything in sight. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curiosity

Word History

Etymology

see curious

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curiosity was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

curiosity

noun
cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
plural curiosities
1
: an eager desire to learn and often to learn what does not concern one : inquisitiveness
2
a
: something strange or unusual
the curiosities of nature
b
: curio

More from Merriam-Webster on curiosity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!