curiosity

noun

cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē 

ˌkyər-

plural curiosities

1

: desire to know:

a

: inquisitive interest in others' concerns : nosiness

The construction inside their house aroused the curiosity of their neighbors.

b

: interest leading to inquiry

intellectual curiosity

Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.

2

archaic : undue nicety or fastidiousness

3

a

: one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics

Tobacco was once regarded as a curiosity in Europe.

b

: an unusual knickknack : curio

The antique shop was full of curiosities.

c

: a curious trait or aspect

Synonyms

• curiousness
• inquisitiveness
• nosiness

Examples of curiosity in a Sentence

Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.

The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted the curiosity of their neighbors.

The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination.

Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe.

The antique shop was full of curiosities.

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to tapping into this global curiosity, focus on your skillset that AI cannot replicate. —Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025

Both forums focused on the curiosity about Wembanyama’s trip to China. —Larry Holder, New York Times, 21 June 2025

But structured frameworks—like Korn Ferry’s Seven Signposts of Leadership Potential or the classic 9-box grid—help leaders assess traits such as curiosity, drive, and capacity for complexity. —Melanie Hughes, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

The how is always clear, but the why is always just wrapped in mystery and curiosity. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

see curious

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for curiosity

• animosity
• generosity
• grandiosity
• nebulosity
• reciprocity
• tortuosity
• tuberosity
• virtuosity
• atrocity
• ferocity
• monstrosity
• pomposity

Kids Definition

curiosity

noun

cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē 

plural curiosities

1

: an eager desire to learn and often to learn what does not concern one : inquisitiveness

2

a

: something strange or unusual

the curiosities of nature

b

: curio