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.
Their curiosity grew after the highest DNA match was found linked to a family line in Romania. Claire Lempert, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025 For him, the hardest questions are the ones in the gray areas, when curiosity blurs into risk. Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025 The rest of the cast includes Shin Hyun-been (Cinderella at 2AM) as Jung Young-hee, Im Sung-jae (Law and the City) as a seemingly nice factory owner and Han Ji-hyun (No Gain, No Love) as the reporter whose curiosity propels the film’s plot. Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Barker included a photo of Rocky — who was wearing a T-shirt and green and white sweatpants — showing off his curiosity by looking up at a sign of what appeared to be a yeti. Charna Flam, People.com, 11 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 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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