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
Stylish excesses are dialed back as cleaner camerawork, steadier editing and Farrell’s tender narration let the character breathe, blending sci-fi curiosity with classic detective-story stakes.
—
Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Blending live action and animation, the digital shorts pair Pratt’s curiosity and humor with Goodwin’s historical expertise and fact-checking to highlight America’s founding ideals.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 18 June 2026
With New York’s Cab France Forward campaign highlighting the varietal, sippers have turned to this style of wine out of curiosity and staying for the versatility.
—Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Another that sort of fits into the category of ‘kit curiosities’ is Brazil, who actually wore white with a blue trim until the 1950s, rather than the yellow that has become iconic since.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
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Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Blending live action and animation, the digital shorts pair Pratt’s curiosity and humor with Goodwin’s historical expertise and fact-checking to highlight America’s founding ideals.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 18 June 2026
With New York’s Cab France Forward campaign highlighting the varietal, sippers have turned to this style of wine out of curiosity and staying for the versatility.
—Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Another that sort of fits into the category of ‘kit curiosities’ is Brazil, who actually wore white with a blue trim until the 1950s, rather than the yellow that has become iconic since.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
Cite this Entry
“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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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