curlicue

1 of 2

noun

cur·​li·​cue ˈkər-lē-ˌkyü 

-li-

variants or less commonly curlycue

: a fancifully curved or spiral figure : flourish

curlicue

2 of 2

verb

curlicued; curlicuing

intransitive verb

: to form curlicues

transitive verb

: to embellish with curlicues

Examples of curlicue in a Sentence

Noun

Curlicues were carved into the wood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The handmade paper curlicues and delicate snowflakes from our 1997 issue add a playful touch to this ultra-cozy living room, where a lush mix of greenery and vibrant red accents create a festive atmosphere. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024

Pea shoots Pea shoots: the little curlicues that jut off the edge of pea pods have an incredibly short season in late winter (sometimes into spring). —Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Verb

Outside, winding paths through gardens and woods lead to site-specific installations, like Eleven Minute Line, a land-art piece by Maya Lin that curlicues through a field of cows. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2023

The cutwork curlicues, stars, and trees on the border of this runner definitely deliver the wow factor. —Sarah Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

curly + cue a braid of hair

First Known Use

Noun

1843, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1844, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

curlicue

noun

curli·​cue

variants also curlycue

ˈkər-li-ˌkyü

: a fancifully curved or spiral figure (as a flourish in handwriting)