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Definition of quirk
1a : an abrupt twist or curveb : a peculiar trait : idiosyncrasyc : accident, vagary a quirk of fate
2 : a groove separating a bead or other molding from adjoining members
From the M-W Editors
quirk was our Word of the Day on 03/14/2013. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of quirk in a Sentence
Everyone has their little quirks.
wearing red shoes every day is just one of her quirks
Recent Examples of quirk from the Web
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Because of this quirk in the rules, hyperbaric management companies tend to court hospitals to install their devices.
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At first Baby seems more an invention than a character, a collection of traits and quirks that might not add up to a whole person.
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The organizers of Miami’s 24th Mainly Mozart festival understand the joys and shortcomings of the wedding ritual and have selected works for this year’s finale that will present the celebration with all its quirks.
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Since then, Franklin’s team has used the system to model animals’ minds, especially behavioral quirks that result from focusing on one thing at a time.
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The soundtrack is laden with music cues in the quirk-folk vein that indicate a mood rather than embodying one.
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ERIN, Wis. (AP) — One of the many quirks at Erin Hills is what was originally called the Bye Hole — a devilish, downhill par-3 positioned between the old ninth and No. 10.
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This is probably a function of weather conditions and quirks with certain varieties.
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The Sega Genesis has seen a revival in Brazil, mostly due to a unique cultural quirk which made the machine vital for banking.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quirk'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of quirk
origin unknown
Did You Know?
Did you expect quirk to be a noun meaning "a peculiarity of action or behavior"? If so, you're probably not alone; the "peculiarity" sense of the noun quirk is commonly known and has been a part of our language since the 17th century. But quirk has long worn other hats in English, too. The sense meaning "a curve, turn, or twist" has named everything from curving pen marks on paper (i.e., flourishes) to witty turns of phrase to the vagaries or twists of fate. In contemporary English, the verb quirk is most often used in referring to facial expressions, especially those that involve crooked smiles or furrowed eyebrows.
First Known Use of quirk
1878
QUIRK Defined for English Language Learners
quirk
playDefinition of quirk for English Language Learners
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: an unusual habit or way of behaving
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: something strange that happens by chance
QUIRK Defined for Kids
quirk
playDefinition of quirk for Students
1 : an odd or unusual characteristic or habit
2 : something strange that happens by chance Their meeting was a quirk of fate.
Learn More about quirk
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See words that rhyme with quirk Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for quirk Spanish Central: Translation of quirk Nglish: Translation of quirk for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of quirk for Arabic speakers
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