quirk

noun

\ ˈkwərk

Definition of quirk

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : an abrupt twist or curve

b : a peculiar trait : idiosyncrasy

c : accident, vagary a quirk of fate

2 : a groove separating a bead or other molding from adjoining members

quirk

verb

quirked; quirking; quirks

Definition of quirk (Entry 2 of 2)

: curve, twist quirked his eyebrows

Other Words from quirk Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about quirk

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Did You Know?

Verb

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.

Examples of quirk in a Sentence

Noun

Everyone has their little quirks. wearing red shoes every day is just one of her quirks

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The bill is unprecedented in its scope; apart from a legal quirk in Montana’s law, no other U.S. city or state has eliminated... — Michael Lotito And Michael Saltsman, WSJ, "Burger-Flipper Arbitrators," 28 Feb. 2019 In your room, a Swiss pine headboard, cowhide rug, and subdued greys balance the joyful quirk of the downstairs lobby. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "This Austrian Spa and Ski Town Is Straight Out of a Wes Anderson Film," 11 Jan. 2019 And due to a quirk in the rules, the four immigration bills can only receive votes twice in the coming months if the petition is successful. — Alex Daugherty, miamiherald, "How a Miami Republican is leading a last-gasp shot at an immigration vote in Congress | Miami Herald," 24 May 2018 Due to a quirk in state law, the governor and lieutenant governor run separately in party primaries and then as a team in the general election. — Thomas Fitzgerald, Philly.com, "Pa. primary election 2018: Voters guide," 11 May 2018 But the deal is structured in a way that could hamper CDS buyers because of a quirk. — Bloomberg.com, "Anchorage Caught Short in Chatham's McClatchy Trade," 2 May 2018 Due to a quirk in the timing of his guilty plea, Oaks’ name was set to remain on the June 26 Democratic primary election ballot. — Ian Duncan, baltimoresun.com, "Top Maryland court to hear arguments about striking ex-Sen. Nathaniel Oaks from ballot," 2 May 2018 Joe Raedle/Getty Images Two years ago, the odd quirks of the Electoral College allowed Donald Trump to become president with a scant 46 percent of the vote. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "The lesson of the midterms: resistance works," 7 Nov. 2018 One quirk of the year has been the proliferation of adventurous revivals. — Charles Mcnulty, latimes.com, "Tony Award nominations reflect an anemic year for original ideas. Here's a critic's take on the bright spots," 1 May 2018

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.