curly

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

Synonyms of curly

• curled
• wavy

Examples of curly in a Sentence

She has curly hair and blue eyes.

The dog's tail is curly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her hair is her crowning glory Brown’s fan base includes women who, like her, have naturally curly hair. — Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026

Some feel polished and minimalist, while others lean playful with curly ends, statement parts, or waist-grazing length. — Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 19 July 2026

Layer thick, curly hair to enhance natural volume and add definition to your ringlets. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 July 2026

Nicole Kidman rocks a curly hairstyle while boarding a private jet in Ibiza on July 15. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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