curation

noun

cu·​ra·​tion kyu̇-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce curation (audio)
plural curations
1
: the act or an instance of curating or selecting
"I think what's best about video store collections is that they're the work of some 20, 30 years of an obsessed human being's curation," [Tim League] explained.Gabe Cohn and Adam Powell
: such as
a
: the act or an instance of selecting and organizing artistic works for presentation in an exhibit, show, etc.
the careful curation that went into the exhibit
the museum's curation team
participated in the show's curation process
b
: the act or process of selecting and organizing (something, such as articles or images) for distribution or publication
Content curation is the process of sifting through and selecting online content to add to a website.James Warrington and Giulia Bottaro
Algorithms are basically the secret sauce that fuels modern social networks and streaming platforms. … They're good at both maximizing audience size and cheaply filling homepages with limited need for manual editorial curation.Tom McKay
Those who subscribe get a box of books tailored to their likes and dislikes: The careful curation is based on responses to questions about favorite and least favorite authors, and even a review of the recipient's Goodreads profile.Angela Haupt
also : the items selected and organized
These are just some of the latest in our curation of early Black Friday and holiday deals, which you can peruse right here in our dedicated guide. Nona Porter
Don't be afraid to mix into your curation some great content about a sport or recreational activity you love, or a charity or community cause you support. Jay Palter
2
: the act or process of selecting and bringing together people or groups for a specific purpose : coordination sense 1
We've had to be very deliberate with the curation of the team by bringing on those with the right skillsets, who are not only compatible but also believe in our company culture.Dan Jovevski, quoted at smartcompany.com.au
3
: the art or profession of a curator
I decided on a career field in high school: museum curation.Katherine Kelly-Coviello

Examples of curation 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.
That shift alone — from Air to Water, from surface to soul, from curation to catharsis — is a reminder that life moves in layers. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 19 Oct. 2025 With everyone on your list in mind, this curation of the best little gift ideas includes items that everyone will enjoy, from your stylish partner and jet-setting best friend to the picky teens and tweens. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2025 Solange will teach a course in collaboration with her multidisciplinary institution Saint Heron, USC Thornton dean Jason King and other faculty members on music curation. Heran Mamo, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025 While Milana’s work is rooted in Italian craftsmanship and designed in dialogue with the body, Campagna brought her background in somatic therapy, movement and curation. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English curacioun "curing, restoration to health, medical treatment," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French curacion, borrowed from Latin cūrātiōn-, cūrātiō "superintendence, taking care, treatment of a disease or sick person, office to which duties are attached," from cūrāre "to watch over, attend, treat (sick persons), restore to health" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at cure entry 2

Note: In contemporary use curation is probably a new formation from cur(ate) entry 2 + -ation.

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curation was in 1968

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curation. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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