curiosity

noun

cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
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
3
a
: one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics
Tobacco was once regarded as a curiosity in Europe.
b
: an unusual knickknack : curio
The antique shop was full of curiosities.
c
: a curious trait or aspect

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 This sort of fiction needs characters with passion, curiosity, and doggedness—she’s dispensed with all three. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2024 Huge amounts of curiosity, huge amounts of goodwill. Nell Lewis, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Silverman has since spent two decades turning this curiosity into a booming business as the co-founder and co-chief executive officer of The Lede Company, one of Hollywood's most powerful PR firms. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2024 So, try stirring some curiosity, humor, or surprise into your titles or headlines. Jon Stojan, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 Our list includes infant toys that are age-appropriate, safe, and helpful in developing critical early skills—but still cute and fun for little ones to spark their joy and curiosity. Maya Polton, Parents, 8 Mar. 2024 Ruiz approaches his relationship building with curiosity and authentic listening. Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 29 Feb. 2024 These foods sparked her insatiable curiosity for Caribbean food culture, and led her to start her research platform, Code Noir, in 2020. Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 29 Feb. 2024 And like Peter Falk’s immortal gumshoe, Elsbeth — who will insert herself unbidden into an investigation — asks a lot of questions, some merely out of curiosity. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'curiosity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see curious

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near curiosity

Cite this Entry

“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

curiosity

noun
cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
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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