curlicue

or cur·ly·cue

[ kur-li-kyoo ]

noun

1. an ornamental, fancy curl or twist, as in a signature.

curlicue

/ ˈkɜːlɪˌkjuː /

noun

1. an intricate ornamental curl or twist

Word History and Origins

Origin of curlicue¹

First recorded in 1835–45; curly + cue ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of curlicue¹

C19: from curly + cue ²

Example Sentences

The Helicteres isora, the jacket’s namesake, is a vibrant plant from northern Oceania whose leaves dry in tawny-green curlicues, like nature’s fractals.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s dark woodwork, octagonal pillars, curlicues of ironwork in the old-fashioned windows, carved details of garlands and flowers and urns.

From Seattle Times

Painted cream and pink, glass windows were piped with ribbons of gold and curlicues of crimson.

From Literature

Concrete pillars with ornamental curlicues grace the interior.

From Los Angeles Times

The actors speak their speeches as though they’re invisible to the audience, illustrating their meanings through their exaggerated cadences and stretching out every rhetorical curlicue.

From Los Angeles Times

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