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

Voorhies first described the man as in his early 20s or 30s with a bigger build, brown eyes, dirty blonde curly hair, a square jaw and a wrinkly face. —Jeremy Edwards, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2024

With curly hair receding above his broad forehead and an energetic grin, Zuckerman was effectively Tanton’s Trojan horse. —Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024

He was known for his friendly, reassuring manner and his distinctive mop of curly red hair. —Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2024

Having difficulty brushing your daughter’s curly hair? —Jordyn Holman, New York Times, 18 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