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
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
But for those of us following along at home, the terror and curiosity of what might happen made for gripping TV.
—
Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 June 2026
For Darren Yates, a 59-year-old London housing executive who has been to SHA Spain twice for its longevity program, the cognitive add-on was just a curiosity.
—Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
Rather than asking which training program employees should attend next quarter, leaders must consider how organizational systems encourage curiosity, experimentation, reflection, and growth.
—Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
That approach uses curiosity, which is usually the first thing couples abandon mid-fight.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
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Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 June 2026
For Darren Yates, a 59-year-old London housing executive who has been to SHA Spain twice for its longevity program, the cognitive add-on was just a curiosity.
—Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
Rather than asking which training program employees should attend next quarter, leaders must consider how organizational systems encourage curiosity, experimentation, reflection, and growth.
—Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
That approach uses curiosity, which is usually the first thing couples abandon mid-fight.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
Cite this Entry
“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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