curly

adjective

ˈkər-lē 

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

Synonyms

• curled

Examples of curly in a Sentence

She has curly hair and blue eyes.

The dog's tail is curly.

Recent Examples on the Web

The one-minute clip, part of the brand’s 28-year-old Generations campaign, featured a handsome young man—early 30s, curly brown hair—at a rooftop party in a city that looked a lot like New York. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024

The young girl rocks her signature curly hair and a pair of black glasses in the snapshot. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 3 Nov. 2024

The singer donned a powder blue dress and blond wig, while the record producer wore white face paint, a curly red wig and a top hat. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Not to mention, these products work for all hair types, including curly hair and fine hair. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing curly

• curly brace
• curly bracket
• curly-coated retriever
• curly endive
• curly top

Kids Definition

curly

adjective

ˈkər-lē 

curlier; curliest

: tending to curl

also : having curls

curly hair

curliness noun