curate

1 of 2

noun

cu·​rate ˈkyu̇r-ət How to pronounce curate (audio)
ˈkyər-,
 also  -ˌāt
1
: a member of the clergy in charge of a parish
sought the counsel of the curate
2
: a member of the clergy serving as assistant (as to a rector) in a parish

curate

2 of 2

verb

cu·​rate ˈkyu̇r-ˌāt How to pronounce curate (audio)
ˈkyər-;
kyu̇-ˈrāt How to pronounce curate (audio)
curated; curating; curates

transitive verb

1
: to select (the best or most appropriate) especially for presentation, distribution, or publication
… suggests finding smaller consignment or vintage stores that focus on carefully curating their products and displaying them nicely.Elizabeth Segran
: such as
a
: to select and organize (artistic works) for presentation in (something, such as an exhibit, show, or program)
Apsáalooke curator Nina Sanders curated the exhibit. She's in Chicago working on an Apsáalooke history exhibition at the Field Museum, coming in March.Darcel Rockett
[Hans] Zimmer has curated the show himself and it will be conducted by Gavin Greenaway and will star Lisa Gerrard.Rory Cashin
The two existing gallery spaces … display an extensive collection of sought-after art curated by a selection of the county's leading artists.Aaliyah Miller
[The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival's] organizers curate a balanced collection of short films, episodic projects and features both by U.S. Latino directors and Latin American artists across genres.Carlos Aguilar
b
: to select and organize (articles, images, etc.) for distribution or publication
The way TikTok algorithmically curates content for each individual user was also a wildly effective, even if unintentional, advertising tool.Morgan Sung
2
: to select and bring together (people or groups) for a purpose that is dependent on the specific skills or talents of the members
Edens also curated a team of "local legends," including Olympic gold medalists and National Geographic photographers, to help create the types of guest experiences … that have kept him coming back year after year.Jen Murphy
"This year, Black Thought, Questlove and I attempted to curate a lineup that broke through the genre barriers that often separate us in black culture. To be able to book Mickey Guyton, Kirk Franklin, G Herbo, Wizkid, Wallo & Gillie, and Mary J. Blige on the same lineup was a dream come true."Shawn Gee

Examples of curate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The discussion will dive into how Shudder curates and champions cutting-edge horror content for its devoted fanbase. William Earl, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025 Known for spotlighting rising artists in Nashville, Whiskey Jam will host special sets and curate afterhours sets at Stagecoach’s Palomino Stage. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
There are other smaller objects too, collected and curated to best inspire, full of meaning and sentiment; the potency of these objects lies in their creative charge—their inherent inspirational potential just waiting to be drawn out through the process of writing. Katie Da Cunha Lewin september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025 For starters, Banana Republic Archive will debut with a capsule collection curated by the stylist and The Society Archive founder Marcus Allen. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curate

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English curat "person charged with the care of souls, parish priest," borrowed from Medieval Latin cūrātus, from cūrāre "to have spiritual charge of" + Latin -ātus -ate entry 2 — more at cure entry 2

Verb

back-formation from curator

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curate was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curate. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

curate

1 of 2 noun
cu·​rate
ˈkyu̇r-ət
: a member of the clergy who assists the rector, pastor, or vicar of a church

curate

2 of 2 verb
cu·​rate
ˈkyu̇r-ˌāt,
ˈkyər-,
ˈkyu̇-ˌrāt
curated; curating
1
: to select and organize (as artistic works) for presentation
2
: to select and gather (people) for their specific skills
Etymology

Noun

Middle English curate "member of the clergy," from Latin curatus (same meaning), from cura "spiritual charge of souls," from earlier cura "care, healing" — related to accurate, cure

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