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

Minetree wore her blonde hair in a curly updo and kept her accessories minimal. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Mamas in my circle with naturally curly hair like mine have been buzzing our group chat for years about the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint collection. — Dana Oliver, Parents, 30 June 2026

The 27-year-old styled her hair in a voluminous updo with braids and curly tendrils framing her glam for the evening. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 June 2026

Teyana Taylor Teyana Taylor once again departed from her curly pixie cut, styling straight extensions in its place. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 June 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