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

How to practice hygge at home Try curling up with a book, a soft blanket, cozy socks and a hot drink on a cold weekend. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

In practice, hygge can mean curling up with a book and a hot drink, lighting candles for a quiet dinner, gathering friends for a fireside chat without screens or bundling up for a walk in the snow. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Earthy tones are reflective of the natural materials around you, and a generous balcony makes for the perfect spot to stretch out with some morning yoga or curl up with a good book on a lounger. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Lightweight blankets are soft and comfortable for curling up on a chilly evening. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 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