curly

[ kur-lee ]

adjective

, curl·i·er, curl·i·est.

1. curling curling or tending to curl:

   curly blond hair.

2. having curls (usually used in combination):

   curlyheaded.

3. having a rippled or undulating appearance, as cut and finished wood:

   curly maple.

curly

/ ˈkɜːlɪ /

adjective

1. tending to curl; curling
2. having curls
3. (of timber) having irregular curves or waves in the grain
4. difficult to counter or answer

   a curly question

Derived Forms

• ˈcurliness, noun

Other Words From

• curli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of curly¹

First recorded in 1720–30; curl + -y ¹

Example Sentences

With curly hair receding above his broad forehead and an energetic grin, Zuckerman was effectively Tanton’s Trojan horse.

From Salon

“He definitely doesn’t have as much curly hair as the Filipino one,” she joked while trying to gather her thoughts.

From Los Angeles Times

The public event, which went viral in recent weeks for its cryptic fliers, drew contestants with bold brows and dark, curly hair, doppelgangers in “Wonka” and “Dune” costumes — and Chalamet himself, who did not enter the competition.

From Los Angeles Times

Sure, Loraine has curly, silver hair and oversized glasses and, at 86, now walks a tad more gingerly than she used to.

From Los Angeles Times

My message: “Hi. I work on the same floor as you. I am the woman with crazy curly hair. Do you want to go on a walk or get coffee or a drink sometime? I am not in the habit of doing this but you’re cute and seem nice. If you are not single, I hope you will accept the compliments and disregard the rest. Leslee”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coiled
• curled
• fuzzy
• kinky
• wavy