curly

1 of 2

adjective

ˈkər-lē 

curlier; curliest

1

: tending to curl

also : having curls

curly hair

2

: having the grain composed of fibers that undulate without crossing and that often form alternating light and dark lines

curly maple

curliness noun

curliness

2 of 2

noun

curl·​i·​ness

ˈkər-lē-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being curly

Synonyms of curly

Adjective

• curled
• wavy

Examples of curly in a Sentence

Adjective

She has curly hair and blue eyes.

The dog's tail is curly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The department described the woman as 25 to 30 years old, white, about 5 feet 5 inches tall, with curly brown hair. — Riley Moser, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

My hair was thick, curly, and lush; my lips were full; my decades-long struggle with hormonal acne slowed to a stop; and my skin glowed. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026

Experimenting with several hairstyles in recent months, the 30 year old has been embracing her short hair’s natural, curly texture on the red carpet, while occasionally opting for voluminous extensions. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 12 Sep. 2026

The hairs were long, black, and curly like the pubes of a buffalo. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing curly

• curly brace
• curly bracket
• curly-coated retriever
• curly endive
• curly top

Rhymes for curly

• burley
• burly
• girlie
• girly
• hurly
• pearly
• surly

Kids Definition

curly

adjective

ˈkər-lē 

curlier; curliest

: tending to curl

also : having curls

curly hair

curliness noun