curl up

verb

curled up; curling up; curls up

intransitive verb

: to arrange oneself in or as if in a ball or curl

curl up by the fire

curl up with a good book

Synonyms of curl up

• snuggle
• snug
• nestle

Examples of curl up in a Sentence

I love to curl up in a big chair with a book.

Recent Examples on the Web

Reading Nooks Whether they are used for reading, curling up to scroll on your phone, or sitting with a laptop to binge your favorite new show, reading nooks are a popular trend for 2026. —Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025

Perfect for draping over an accent chair, layering on the bed during cold nights, and curling up for movie marathons, the fluffy blanket is skin-friendly, hypoallergenic, and 100% machine washable for breezy care. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025

So, curl up with a seasonal spirit and enjoy these festive flicks that are equal parts merry, scary, brutal and sexy. —Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025

Marine-grade vinyl upholstery means the couple can curl up on the patios immediately after the coastal weather clears out. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for curl up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

curl up

verb

: to arrange oneself in or as if in a curl or ball

curl up with a good book