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
Promotion to League One in just their second attempt after taking 132 years to reach the EFL is one thing, but their playing style under former Brentford and Northampton goalkeeper Andy Woodman only adds to the curiosity around them.
—
Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Organizations that treat the stare as an HR curiosity rather than a strategic signal are, in effect, choosing to absorb the productivity penalty rather than address its cause.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Rather than offering an echoing, soulless ambiance, the interior designers—ArchFlorence—have cleverly managed to create a warm and welcoming environment, filled with art (from the owner’s formidable collection), oriental rugs, objects and curiosities, fabulous books.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
The maneuvering, complications, and curiosity, all of it, begin beyond the first selection.
—Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
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Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Organizations that treat the stare as an HR curiosity rather than a strategic signal are, in effect, choosing to absorb the productivity penalty rather than address its cause.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Rather than offering an echoing, soulless ambiance, the interior designers—ArchFlorence—have cleverly managed to create a warm and welcoming environment, filled with art (from the owner’s formidable collection), oriental rugs, objects and curiosities, fabulous books.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
The maneuvering, complications, and curiosity, all of it, begin beyond the first selection.
—Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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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