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

Mannequin heads stare at you through the storefront window, each topped with a wildly unique hairpiece – one with long, curly, bubblegum pink locks; another with a bright orange bob. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 2026

His Tony, tall under a curly ’70s moptop and sideburns, has the look of a hungry dog. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 July 2026

This look creates a faux curtain bang effect and can look great styled straight or curly. — Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

The short, curly cut she’s been rocking lately was replaced with long, straight locks and choppy baby bangs. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 24 July 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