curling

American  

[kur-ling] / ˈkɜr lɪŋ /

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.

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curling British  

/ 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 )

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of curling

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

Example Sentences

Threes while curling off screens or taking hand-offs from teammates are routine for the NBA’s leading three-point shooter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Nina Sparks became GB's first female snowboarder at a Paralympics, while English athletes took to the ice among GB curling rinks - usually an all-Scottish affair - at the Games for the first time.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

The prince was later filmed sliding down the ice on one knee to release a curling stone at Scotland’s National Curling Academy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

"It's been business as usual for us, we stay calm," said the smiling waitress, an octopus tattoo curling up her forearm.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

No matter how flat Axel tries to lay down the clues in his mind, they just keep curling up at the ends.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers

Related Words

• crooked
• curved
• meandering
• sinuous
• twisting
• winding