Definition of curtsy
curtsies
alsocurtseys
: 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
Explore M-W
First Known Use of curtsy
1533
curtsy
curtsey
Definition of curtsy
curtsied
alsocurtseyed
;curtsying
alsocurtseying
intransitive verb
: to make a curtsy
Origin and Etymology of curtsy
alteration of courtesy
CURTSY Defined for English Language Learners
curtsy
playDefinition of curtsy for English Language Learners
-
: a formal way of greeting an important person (such as a king or queen) in which a woman shows respect by placing one foot slightly behind the other and bending her knees
CURTSY Defined for Kids
curtsy
curtsey
\ˈkərt-sē\Definition of curtsy for Students
curtsied
alsocurtseyed
;curtsying
alsocurtseying
: to lower the body slightly by bending the knees as an act of politeness or respect
curtsy
curtsey
Definition of curtsy for Students
curtsies
alsocurtseys
: an act of politeness or respect made by women and consisting of a slight lowering of the body by bending the knees
Learn More about curtsy
-
Spanish Central: Translation of curtsy Nglish: Translation of curtsy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of curtsy for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up curtsy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!