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
James Rebanks
june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Fifteen minutes later, the tracks curve along the dramatic 39-mile coastline, revealing the turquoise sea and rocky limestone cliffs known as the calanques.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 24 June 2025
Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 19 June 2025
The curve running through the flag's center represents new horizons and opportunities for Black Americans.
—Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for curve
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Verb
The whole coast curved around us like a giant C—a huge bay that held the archipelago.
—James Rebanks
june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Fifteen minutes later, the tracks curve along the dramatic 39-mile coastline, revealing the turquoise sea and rocky limestone cliffs known as the calanques.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 24 June 2025
Noun
The potential is still there for Byram at 24 years old, just entering the prime of his career, according to aging curve work done by The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 19 June 2025
The curve running through the flag's center represents new horizons and opportunities for Black Americans.
—Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 18 June 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 3 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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