curate

[kyoor-it, kyoo-reyt, kyoor-eyt]

noun

1. Chiefly British.,  a member of the clergy employed to assist a rector or vicar.

2. any ecclesiastic entrusted with the cure of souls, as a parish priest.

verb (used with object)

curated, curating 

1. to take charge of (a museum) or organize (an art exhibit).

   to curate a photography show.

2. to pull together, sift through, and select for presentation, as music or website content.

   “We curate our merchandise with a sharp eye for trending fashion,” the store manager explained.

curate

¹

/ ˈkjʊərɪt /

noun

1. a clergyman appointed to assist a parish priest

2. a clergyman who has the charge of a parish ( curate-in-charge )

3. an assistant barman

curate

²

/ kjʊəˈreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to be in charge of (an art exhibition or museum)

Other Word Forms

• curatic adjective
• curatical adjective
• curateship noun
• curation noun
• subcurate noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of curate¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English curat, from Anglo-French or directly from Medieval Latin cūrātus, equivalent to Latin cūr(a) “care” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of curate¹

C14: from Medieval Latin cūrātus, from cūra spiritual oversight, _cure

Origin of curate²

C20: back formation from _curator

Example Sentences

That unlimited access includes a curated list of “best-fit” schools, interview preparation for the parents and students, essay guidance and deadline management.

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Masino launched a plan in 2024 to update the company’s flagship restaurant brand by brightening up its dining rooms and better curating its retail offerings to help attract younger guests.

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Money in an HSA can be invested in a range of investment options curated by your provider, and your money grows tax-deferred.

Read more on Barron's

And, really, doesn’t Dhillon have better things to do — and better ways of earning her pay — than constantly curating her social media feed, like a mean girl obsessing over likes and followers?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The record features a carefully curated list of guest artists, providing backing vocals, or cameos, and this is when you remember that this is a concept piece.

Read more on Salon