curly

adjective

ˈkər-lē 

curlier; curliest

1

: tending to curl

also : having curls

curly hair

2

: having the grain composed of fibers that undulate without crossing and that often form alternating light and dark lines

curly maple

curliness noun

Synonyms of curly

• curled
• wavy

Examples of curly in a Sentence

She has curly hair and blue eyes.

The dog's tail is curly.

Recent Examples on the Web

While Powell’s mullet certainly caused quite the stir online, Birns believes Storrie’s curly version will top 2026 trends. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026

This soft, curly shag looks so modern and effortlessly cool on Sandra Oh. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026

At my feet, the pale folds of cloth gradually came apart, revealing two half-open eyes, surrounded by curly hair, which, tossed by the turbulence, looked strangely alive. —Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026

Typically, such pieces are made with the suede or leather sheepskin hide on the exterior, and the curly wool shearling on the inside for insulation. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing curly

• curly brace
• curly bracket
• curly-coated retriever
• curly endive
• curly top

Rhymes for curly

• burley
• burly
• girlie
• girly
• hurly
• pearly
• surly

Kids Definition

curly

adjective

ˈkər-lē 

curlier; curliest

: tending to curl

also : having curls

curly hair

curliness noun