curling

[kur-ling]

noun

1. a game played on ice in which two teams of four players each compete in sliding curling stones toward a mark in the center of a circular target.

curling

/ ˈkɜːlɪŋ /

noun

1. a game played on ice, esp in Scotland and Canada, in which heavy stones with handles ( curling stones ) are slid towards a target ( tee )

Word History and Origins

Origin of curling¹

First recorded in 1610–20; perhaps curl + -ing ¹, from the motion imparted to the sliding stones

Example Sentences

The Winter Olympic Federations collectively represents the governing bodies of biathlon, bobsleigh and skeleton, ice hockey, luge, skating, ski and snowboard and curling.

Read more on BBC

Dan Burn scores a brilliant curling header from a set piece to give Newcastle United an early lead against Athletic Club.

Read more on BBC

He had big, curling horns and a crazed look in his eyes.

Read more on Literature

But if none of that sounds more appealing than curling up on your couch with a good show to watch and a bag of your favorite candy nearby, we’ve got you covered.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The most delicate prints, mostly in black and white, are flattened between cardboard sheets to prevent curling.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• crooked 
• curved www.thesaurus.com
• meandering 
• sinuous 
• twisting 
• winding 

When To Use

What is curling?

Curling is a sport, played on ice, that involves trying to slide a heavy round stone object (called a curling stone) to the center of a target area on the ice.It is typically played by two four-player teams. Teams take turns sliding stones (which have a handle and are usually made of granite) toward the circular target area (the area is known as the house and its center is known as the button or the tee). Points are scored by the team that gets a stone closest to the button. Any other stones that are closer than the opposing team’s closest stone also result in points.During each turn, one player slides a stone down the ice while up to three of the other players on the team slide along with the stone while attempting to manipulate its speed and direction by sweeping the ice in its path with broomlike brushes. Sweeping the ice helps the stone to travel farther and straighter.Strategy involves not only placing one’s own stones, but also knocking away opponent’s stones.Curling matches, sometimes called bonspiels, consist of multiple rounds, with multiple stone slides from each team during each round.Curling is an event in the Winter Olympics. Wheelchair curling is an event in the Paralympic Winter Games. Curling is especially popular in Scotland, Canada, and some Scandinavian countries.Example: The Winter Olympics are coming up, which means I’ll be watching a lot of curling.