curtsy

1 of 2

noun

curt·​sy ˈkərt-sē How to pronounce curtsy (audio)
variants or less commonly curtsey
plural curtsies also curtseys
: an act of civility, respect, or reverence made mainly by women and consisting of a slight lowering of the body with bending of the knees

curtsy

2 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly curtsey
curtsied also curtseyed; curtsying also curtseying

intransitive verb

: to make a curtsy

Examples of curtsy in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Every accommodating smile feels barbed, every curtsy an attack, every look of serene placidity a mask. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024 The curtsy is the result of the power of her choice. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
Or Isabella Rossellini, blessed with the role of the world’s most suspicious nun, screaming accusations then politely curtsying before exiting stage left. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024 The pop-up will offer merch, exclusive vinyl, and a free tote (while supplies last) to everyone who has the courtesy to curtsy on the way out the door. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for curtsy 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of courtesy

First Known Use

Noun

1533, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1553, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curtsy was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near curtsy

Cite this Entry

“Curtsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curtsy. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

curtsy

1 of 2 noun
curt·​sy
variants also curtsey
ˈkərt-sē
plural curtsies also curtseys
: a bow made especially by women that consists of a slight lowering of the body and bending of the knees

curtsy

2 of 2 verb
variants also curtsey
curtsied also curtseyed; curtsying also curtseying
: to make a curtsy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!