curved; curving
: to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity
1
: to cause to curve
2
: to throw a curveball to (a batter)
3
: to grade (something, such as an examination) on a curve
1
a
: a line especially when curved: such as
(1)
: the path of a moving point
(2)
: a line defined by an equation so that the coordinates of its points are functions of a single independent variable or parameter
b
: the graph of a variable see also epidemic curve, learning curve, normal curve, simple closed curve, sine curve
2
4
: a distribution indicating the relative performance of individuals measured against each other that is used especially in assigning good, medium, or poor grades to usually predetermined proportions of students rather than in assigning grades based on predetermined standards of achievement
5
: trend
a growth curve in advertising revenues
especially
: a prevalent trend or rate of progress
—often used in the phrases ahead of the curve and behind the curve
companies that are behind the curve in adopting new technologies
Synonyms
Examples of curve in a Sentence
Verb
The tail curves over the dog's back.
The road curves to the left.
The fence curves in toward the side of the house.
The railing curves out near the observation platform.
Noun
The dog's tail has a slight curve.
There is a sharp curve coming up in the road.
the price curve in relation to inflation
Recent Examples on the Web
Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2024
In the artwork, text spelling out the all-caps album title is seen in a deep green color with horns curving upwards from the first and last letter of the name.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2024
However, all current forecast models show the system curving north and into the middle of the Atlantic, well away from the U.S. coast.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
From the higher-dimensional perspective, the toy universe is made of both particles and a space-time fabric that curves, producing gravity.
—Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for curve 
Verb
To that end, rosettes curve around a diamond band—an homage to his grandmother’s toi et moi ring.
—Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2024
In the artwork, text spelling out the all-caps album title is seen in a deep green color with horns curving upwards from the first and last letter of the name.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2024
However, all current forecast models show the system curving north and into the middle of the Atlantic, well away from the U.S. coast.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
From the higher-dimensional perspective, the toy universe is made of both particles and a space-time fabric that curves, producing gravity.
—Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for curve
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'curve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near curve
Cite this Entry
“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curve. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
curve
1 of 2 verb
curved; curving
1
: to turn or change from a straight line or course
the road curved to the left
2
: to cause to curve
curve
2 of 2 noun1
a
: a line especially when curved
b
: a line connecting points on a graph or in a coordinate system
2
: something that bends or turns without angles
a curve in the road
3
: a ball thrown so that it moves away from a straight course
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