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

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

Synonyms of curiosity

• concern
• questioning
• inquisitiveness
• interest
• curiousness

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

Rather than immediately distracting yourself, approach the emotion with curiosity. — Juli Fraga, Time, 29 Oct. 2026

Levy, now 79, credits Cheshire Academy in part with giving him the independence, curiosity and confidence to take chances, all qualities that helped carve his path to success. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026

Solid-state physics in its early days was just an esoteric exercise to satisfy curiosity. — Mattanjah De Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Her musical curiosity has taken her in many directions since then, each revealing a different layer of this intriguing and complex performer. — Helena Alonso Paisley, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see curious

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for curiosity

• atrocity
• ferocity
• monstrosity
• pomposity
• porosity
• precocity
• schistosity
• velocity
• verbosity
• viscosity
• animosity
• generosity

Kids 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