curiosity
noun
cu·ri·os·i·ty
ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē 
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
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
Frame your experiences as evidence of your adaptability, curiosity and ability to learn quickly.
—
Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
At its most provocative, the franchise reflects our own dilemmas without offering any solutions, from directors tugging Rey’s lineage back and forth to Lucas’ own political curiosities, which matured even as copycats continued to reign on other multiplex screens.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
As Executive Producer, Bill has led 60 Minutes with unwavering integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the truth.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
The search by amateurs and scientists for confirmed evidence of a Nessie monster continues to stoke curiosity and conspiracy theories.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
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Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
At its most provocative, the franchise reflects our own dilemmas without offering any solutions, from directors tugging Rey’s lineage back and forth to Lucas’ own political curiosities, which matured even as copycats continued to reign on other multiplex screens.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
As Executive Producer, Bill has led 60 Minutes with unwavering integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the truth.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
The search by amateurs and scientists for confirmed evidence of a Nessie monster continues to stoke curiosity and conspiracy theories.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
Cite this Entry
“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
curiosity
noun
cu·ri·os·i·ty
ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē
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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