curve

1 of 3

adjective

archaic
: bent or formed into a curve

curve

2 of 3

verb

curved; curving

intransitive verb

: to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity

transitive verb

1
: to cause to curve
2
: to throw a curveball to (a batter)
3
: to grade (something, such as an examination) on a curve

curve

3 of 3

noun

1
a
: a line especially when curved: such as
(1)
: the path of a moving point
(2)
: a line defined by an equation so that the coordinates of its points are functions of a single independent variable or parameter
b
2
: something curved: such as
a
: a curving line of the human body
b
curves plural : parenthesis
3
4
: a distribution indicating the relative performance of individuals measured against each other that is used especially in assigning good, medium, or poor grades to usually predetermined proportions of students rather than in assigning grades based on predetermined standards of achievement
5
: trend
a growth curve in advertising revenues
especially : a prevalent trend or rate of progress
often used in the phrases ahead of the curve and behind the curve
companies that are behind the curve in adopting new technologies

Examples of curve in a Sentence

Verb The tail curves over the dog's back. The road curves to the left. The fence curves in toward the side of the house. The railing curves out near the observation platform. Noun The dog's tail has a slight curve. There is a sharp curve coming up in the road. the price curve in relation to inflation
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Duranguense also spawned its own peculiar, shoulder-swaying dance form, and fashion style, distinguished by sombreros with brims curved up like hardshell tacos, and ultra-pointy cowboy boots. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2024 Harlee Thomas scored from 45 yards out on a line-drive kick that curved into the upper, left corner of the goal, making the score 4-0. Claire Whitcher scored from a wide angle for the Chargers’ fifth and final goal. Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 1 Feb. 2024 The bull curves around, his head lowered, horns at the attack — and repeatedly stabs Mandarina, shoving him across the ring until he’s pinned against the fence. Toby Muse, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2024 Time becomes merged with space, and the whole space-time can curve. Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 The magnified surface of the sun made a curving arc from horizon to horizon. Karl Schroeder, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Feb. 2024 On the second floor, the main master suite includes a private sitting room/study with a curving wall of glass, an adjoining bedroom with a fireplace, two behemoth bathrooms—plus a powder room, and dual dressing rooms. James McClain, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024 Take the mahogany strips that will comprise the foredeck: These are curved by steam, a practice that also dates back to the Vikings. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2024 To see a dugong is to want to hug a dugong, with its round body, gently curved flippers and gigantic smiling face. Danna Staaf, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024
Noun
The graceful curves of the device invite — require, even — caressing. Molly Young, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024 The graceful curves of the scrolled pediment over the front door are echoed in the foyer with the grand sweep of the staircase, a hallmark of Williams, and in the brocade pattern of the shimmering platinum wallcoverings. Mark David, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024 Winners and losers Of course, a learning curve is to be expected. Christine Kilpatrick, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 Her silky, spaghetti-strap dress featured ruching at the bodice to give it a figure-hugging fit and a low neckline to show off her curves. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2024 Introduction This amounted to about 10,000 curves in total. Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 The flyover ramp replaces a street-level interchange from southbound I-75 to westbound I-74 that included a sharp curve and traveled under a railroad bridge. The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024 The dress is available in sizes medium through 6XL and has a cinching waistline made from stretchy elastic to accentuate the body’s curves. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 Thankfully some CEOs are already well ahead of the curve. Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'curve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin curvus; akin to Greek kyrtos convex, Middle Irish cruinn round

Verb

Latin curvare, from curvus

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1594, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of curve was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near curve

Cite this Entry

“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curve. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

curve

1 of 2 verb
curved; curving
1
: to turn or change from a straight line or course
the road curved to the left
2
: to cause to curve

curve

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: a line especially when curved
b
: a line connecting points on a graph or in a coordinate system
2
: something that bends or turns without angles
a curve in the road
3
: a ball thrown so that it moves away from a straight course

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