curl

¹curl

verb \ˈkər(-ə)l\

Definition of CURL

transitive verb

1

: to form (as the hair) into coils or ringlets

2

: to form into a curved shape : twist <curled his lip in a sneer>

3

: to furnish with curls

intransitive verb

1

a : to grow in coils or spirals b : to form ripples or crinkles <bacon curling in a pan>

2

: to move or progress in curves or spirals : wind <the path curled along the mountainside>

3

: twist, contort

4

: to play the game of curling

Examples of CURL

1. She curls her hair every morning.
2. Can you curl your tongue?
3. The baby's fingers were tightly curled.
4. The snake curled itself around its prey.
5. The cat curled into a ball and went to sleep.
6. We saw smoke curling from the cottage chimney.
7. A snake curled around his leg.

Origin of CURL

Middle English, from crul curly, probably from Middle Dutch; akin to Old High German krol curly

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CURL

Synonyms: coil, corkscrew, wind, entwine, spiral, twine, twist

Related Words: arc, arch, bend, crook, curve, hook, sweep, swerve, turn, veer, wheel; swirl, whirl; circle, encircle, loop; enlace, interlace, intertwine, lace; bow, bulge; meander, weave, zigzag

Near Antonyms: straighten

[+]more[-]hide