curiosity

noun

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cu·ri·os·i·ty | \ ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē

, ˌkyər- \

plural curiosities

Definition of curiosity

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

3a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About curiosity

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 In an era when autobiographical songwriting is the norm, Styles also stands out for his curiosity about other people. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 May 2022 My curiosity about the authenticity of digital Buddhism was whetted on a recent turbulent flight. — Gregory Grieve, The Conversation, 19 May 2022 Jumpstart their curiosity in S.T.E.A.M. – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. — Lori Magilton, Popular Mechanics, 18 May 2022 Find cultural waves, breaking news, product innovations, top-ten lists and influencer topics that appeal to our innate curiosity, then drive them deeper into the funnel with exclusivity, and end with limited time to activate. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 May 2022 His flowering curiosity and bookishness led eventually to his admittance, at 23, to Edinburgh University and a long career in literary journalism. — Barton Swaim, WSJ, 12 May 2022 To spark your own curiosity, here are more than 100 fun facts that will entertain and surprise. — Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 12 May 2022 During a recent viewing of Miss Potter, which features a stellar performance by Renée Zellweger, my curiosity about this eccentric author ... — Sarah Schutte, National Review, 8 May 2022 But their almost inscrutable nature, the way their persona is both splashed across the canvas and hidden from it, defies our curiosity—and is precisely what engenders so much fascination. — Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 May 2022 See More

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near curiosity

curiosa felicitas

curiosity

curioso

Statistics for curiosity

Last Updated

26 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 26 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for curiosity

curiosity

noun

cu·ri·os·i·ty | \ ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-sə-tē

plural curiosities

Kids Definition of curiosity

1 : an eager desire to learn and often to learn things that are another's concern "What's happening?" he asked with curiosity.

2 : something strange or unusual They both sat looking at Harriet as though she were a curiosity put on television to entertain them.— Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy

3 : an object or article valued because it is strange or rare