curl up
Britishverb
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(intr) to adopt a reclining position with the legs close to the body and the back rounded
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to become or cause to become spiral-shaped or curved
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(intr) to retire to a quiet cosy setting
to curl up with a good novel
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informal to be or cause to be embarrassed or disgusted (esp in the phrase curl up and die )
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Assume a position with the legs drawn up; settle down for sleep in this posture. For example, I love to curl up with a good book . [c. 1900]
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curl up and die . Retreat, collapse, die, as in At first the horse was ahead but in the home stretch she curled up and died , or I'll just curl up and die if he shows up . This colorful expression for collapsing or dying is often used hyperbolically (second example). [Early 1900s]
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curl someone up . Kill someone, as in The sheriff said he'd curl up that outlaw . This usage originated as cowboy slang in the second half of the 1800s.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You can touch the tiny lanterns to hear a story in each scene or simply curl up in the soft green fuzzy chair, close the velvet curtains and let your imagination wander.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2026
"Istanbulites are animal lovers," says 57-year-old Gaye Koselerden, adding, "They can even curl up on the most expensive duvet. No one would say a word."
From Barron's ● Jan. 27, 2026
In either case, it’s hard to make out what’s going on or even which man has the advantage, as the combatants frequently curl up into a single lump of flesh.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2025
This can lead to "starballing" where starfish curl up to float with the current which can make them vulnerable to beach strandings.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2025
As her whole body shook the fairy queen’s mouth suddenly unhinged, and her lower jaw dropped open far enough to almost curl up under itself.
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
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