curiosity

noun cu·ri·os·i·ty \ ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē , ˌkyər- \

Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of curiosity

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

See curiosity defined for English-language learners

See curiosity defined for kids

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 of curiosity from the Web

Sagittarius is known for brazen curiosity, and Sagittarius moons are fulfilled by philosophy, travel, and intellectual expansion.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "What Your Moon Sign Reveals About Your Emotional Personality," 23 Apr. 2018
An ability to write informatively, succinctly and wittily, combined with numeracy and curiosity, matter more than prior experience.

— The Economist, "Business writer," 19 Apr. 2018
On the skills journalists need: Intense curiosity, and an intense willingness to pursue leads with enterprise.

— kate dwyer, The Cut, "Tina Brown on Networking, ‘Sleep Orgies,’ and Why She Loves Ziplock Bags," 13 Apr. 2018
He was committed to self reliance, curiosity, moderation and exercise.

— orlando sentinel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Deaths in Central Florida: 4/11," 11 Apr. 2018
Slowly, a curiosity set in, as if giving up might actually be the impetus needed to see life, God, love, humanity, and (literally) everything in a new way.

— alyson stoner, Teen Vogue, "7 Young Couples Explain What It Feels Like to Be in Love," 30 Mar. 2018
The common threads in these stories are a fierce intelligence, a wide-ranging curiosity, and an utter indifference to the judgment of others.

— zachary mider, Bloomberg.com, "Robert Mercer’s Secret Adventure as a New Mexico Cop," 28 Mar. 2018
But the amendment doesn’t mean we’ll be heard, with compassion and curiosity, by those who disagree with us.

— ronnie polaneczky, Philly.com, "The First Amendment lets you speak freely. Empathy lets you listen | Ronnie Polaneczky," 23 Mar. 2018
The endless curiosity of Kyle Ng, who, along with design partner Ed Davis, hunts and gathers references that range from Laura Owens's art to psychedelic sci-fi books.

— samuel hine, GQ, "These 7 L.A. Brands Are Turning Graphic Tees Into Far-Out High Fashion," 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curiosity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.