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
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
Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Published on February 11, 2025 By Wendy Bowman Photo : Full Package Media/Compass
A curving floating staircase can be found in the double-height living room.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
The interiors feature sleek curves of the ‘Bat Cave’ paired alongside modern forms, textured marble, warm hues, and steel black accents that reference Batman’s signature black edge.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curve
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Verb
In a space known as the Languedoc wine region of southern France, within the huge administrative region of Occitanie, multiple independent wine appellations curve in an arc alongside—and parallel to—the Mediterranean Sea.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Published on February 11, 2025 By Wendy Bowman Photo : Full Package Media/Compass
A curving floating staircase can be found in the double-height living room.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
Addressing the elevated pace of shelter inflation requires bending the housing cost curve to enable adding more attainable housing.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
The interiors feature sleek curves of the ‘Bat Cave’ paired alongside modern forms, textured marble, warm hues, and steel black accents that reference Batman’s signature black edge.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curve
Cite this Entry
“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curve. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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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