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

Examples of curl up in a Sentence

I love to curl up in a big chair with a book.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The versatile, ultra-soft bottoms are made with a light and breathable material that’s ideal for running errands, heading to the gym, curling up on the couch; the list goes on. Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025 Fall is the perfect time for curling up with a good book—or maybe a good movie. Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025 The padded arms are a nice touch, too—perfect for curling up with a book or using as an accent chair in the bedroom. Zoë Sessums, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025 As the summer winds down and days begin growing shorter, there's no better time to curl up with a good book—and this September, the shelves are stacked with fresh stories worth diving into. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curl up

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curl up was in 1840

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curl up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curl%20up. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

curl up

verb
: to arrange oneself in or as if in a curl or ball
curl up with a good book

More from Merriam-Webster on curl up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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