curve

1 of 3

adjective

ˈkərv 

archaic

: bent or formed into a curve

curve

2 of 3

verb

curved; curving

intransitive verb

: to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity

transitive verb

1

: to cause to curve

2

: to throw a curveball to (a batter)

3

: to grade (something, such as an examination) on a curve

curve

3 of 3

noun

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

: something curved: such as

a

: a curving line of the human body

b

curves plural : parenthesis

3

a

: curveball

b

: trick, deception

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

Verb

• arc
• arch
• bend
• bow
• crook
• fall off
• hook
• round
• sweep
• swerve
• trend
• wheel

Noun

• angle
• arc
• arch
• bend
• bow
• crook
• curvature
• inflection
• turn
• wind

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

Verb

Supple in structure, its rounded top is ergonomically shaped to rest under the arm and curve to the body, whether worn as a chic purse or comfortable daytime crossbody. —Nikki Chwatt, WWD, 9 Oct. 2024

Its center is projected to hit Florida’s Big Bend area, the curving stretch of gulf coastline in the state’s north. —Heather Hollingsworth and Stephen Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024

Noun

Using flowing yet distorted elements — from the walls to the furniture and even the oversized circular light fixture — the store is meant to mirror the signature curves of the brand’s eyewear. —Thomas Waller, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024

Keeler: Nix’s NFL curve reminds me of a young Labrador retriever. —Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin curvus; akin to Greek kyrtos convex, Middle Irish cruinn round

Verb

Latin curvare, from curvus

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1594, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing curve

• ahead of the curve
• behind the curve
• bell curve
• curve fitting
• epi curve
• epidemic curve
• epidemiological curve
• epidemiologic curve
• french curve
• Gaussian curve
• Jordan curve
• Jordan curve theorem
• learning curve
• light curve
• logistic curve
• normal curve
• simple closed curve
• sine curve
• skew curve
• throw (someone) a curve/curveball

Kids Definition

curve

1 of 2 verb

ˈkərv 

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 noun

1

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