curl up

verb

curled up; curling up; curls up

intransitive verb

: to arrange oneself in or as if in a ball or curl

curl up by the fire

curl up with a good book

Synonyms of curl up

• snuggle
• snug
• nestle

Examples of curl up in a Sentence

I love to curl up in a big chair with a book.

Recent Examples on the Web

Or simply curling up with a good book is a beneficial alternative. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 17 July 2026

To assume an inferior role, to curl up in a ball and hope for the best, led to as supine a tournament exit as England have made. — The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Filled with Charleston history, regional fiction, gardening titles, children’s books, and works by local authors, the collection invites travelers to slow down and settle into the hotel’s cozy Clubroom or curl up with a book in their guest room. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

Wear this to feel like you’re curled up in your favorite comfy sweatshirt, all the time. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for curl up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

curl up

verb

: to arrange oneself in or as if in a curl or ball

curl up with a good book