curiosity

noun

cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
ˌkyər-
plural curiosities
1
: desire to know:
a
: inquisitive interest in others' concerns : nosiness
The construction inside their house aroused the curiosity of their neighbors.
b
: interest leading to inquiry
intellectual curiosity
Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
2
archaic : undue nicety or fastidiousness
3
a
: one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics
Tobacco was once regarded as a curiosity in Europe.
b
: an unusual knickknack : curio
The antique shop was full of curiosities.
c
: a curious trait or aspect

Examples of curiosity in a Sentence

Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions. The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted the curiosity of their neighbors. The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination. Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe. The antique shop was full of curiosities.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rhett Miller stares across the classroom at the 14 sets of eyes staring back and lets his curiosity run free. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025 As the role of CMOs continues to change, Persson emphasized that curiosity and remaining a student of the business are the most valuable skills that future business leaders will need. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 And indeed, some of the early frameworks were fragile curiosities, admired more for their elegance than their endurance. Stavroula Alina Kampouri, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, opponents of book limitations argue that restrictions harm intellectual rigor, stifle curiosity and impose certain views on others who may not hold them. Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curiosity

Word History

Etymology

see curious

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curiosity was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

curiosity

noun
cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
plural curiosities
1
: an eager desire to learn and often to learn what does not concern one : inquisitiveness
2
a
: something strange or unusual
the curiosities of nature
b
: curio

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