curls 1 of 2

Definition of curlsnext
plural of curl
as in ringlets
a length of hair that forms a loop or series of loops let her hair grow in its natural curls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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curls

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of curl

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of curls
Noun
The northeastern part of Norway curls around Sweden and borders Finland, too. Peter Baugh, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026 The cloud of cream cheese over the top is light as air, weighed down with a heap of Parmesan cheese grated so finely the curls disappear on your tongue. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026 But bigger arms don’t come from endless curls alone. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026 Bombshell bouncy curls and rosy glam complete her look. Christina Perrier, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026 Chopra Jonas’ decision to ditch her smooth, straight hair comes amid a wider affinity for natural curls consuming Hollywood now. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026 But recently TikTok is discovering the face-framing magic that comes from turning your curls inward. Grace McCarty, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026 Add English peas, flat-leaf parsley, and curls of lemon zest for extra character. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curls
Noun
  • Chopped with face-framing curtain bangs and curled into small (almost Shirley Temple-sized) ringlets, the singer’s hair is clearly a reference to her look from the song’s energetic music video.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Chanelling Miss Sara Bellum from the Powerpuff Girls, her secretarial deep burgundy ringlets were cut into pouty bangs that almost totally concealed her eyes.
    Essence, Essence, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Dry all surfaces completely and replace knobs, drip pans, and coils back on the stove.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This year, ByteDance’s Doubao platform, a gala sponsor, sent out waves of hongbao or red envelopes with virtual cash to users of its AI chatbot app throughout the show, while a comedian at one point asked the app for advice.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • In the meantime, massages can be arranged in your room or on your terrace, which is hardly a compromise—especially since the crashing waves set the soundtrack for every inch of this property.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Follow blazes on a one-mile hiking trail that winds through wetland hardwoods and hydric hammock with scenic viewpoints for stopping along the river.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
  • More adventurous hikers can tackle Morne du Vitet, the island’s highest point, or the Sentier de Grand Fond, which winds along dramatic coastal cliffs and natural pools.
    Molly Barstein, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Plenty of other teams — the Thunder, Boston, New York, San Antonio, Denver, Houston, Cleveland — are probably safe to call playoff locks at this point as well.
    Tim Reynolds, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Zendaya looked so different with shoulder-grazing ginger locks that were styled in curly pigtails with a middle part.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • What makes barrel jeans popular is their wide, tapered fit that curves out around the mid-leg and then cinches in at the ankle.
    India Roby, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The path begins in Siberia, curves around the North Pole past Greenland and Iceland, then crosses Spain before ending in the Mediterranean sunset.
    Ryan Craggs, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Curls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curls. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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