curved; curving
: to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity
1
: to cause to curve
2
: to throw a curveball to (a batter)
3
: to grade (something, such as an examination) on a curve
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
: the graph of a variable see also epidemic curve, learning curve, normal curve, simple closed curve, sine curve
2
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
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Bad Idea occupies more than 5,000 square feet of space, with 25-foot curving ceilings and tall windows that welcome in the fading light as the sun sets.
—Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
The right-hander’s fastball was on point early, and his knuckle curve tied the Reds up as the game went on.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for curve
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Verb
Instead of straight paths, employ a curving pathway to reveal one part of the garden at a time.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Bad Idea occupies more than 5,000 square feet of space, with 25-foot curving ceilings and tall windows that welcome in the fading light as the sun sets.
—Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Noun
The intrigue of what might be beyond the curve or around the corner takes the mind away from the size of the space and focuses it on the content of the garden.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
The right-hander’s fastball was on point early, and his knuckle curve tied the Reds up as the game went on.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for curve
Cite this Entry
“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curve. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 noun1
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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