curly

[kur-lee]

adjective

curlier, curliest 

1. curling curling or tending to curl.

   curly blond hair.

2. having curls (usually used in combination).

   curlyheaded.

3. having a rippled or undulating appearance, as cut and finished wood.

   curly maple.

curly

/ ˈkɜːlɪ /

adjective

1. tending to curl; curling

2. having curls

3. (of timber) having irregular curves or waves in the grain

4. difficult to counter or answer

   a curly question

Other Word Forms

• curliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of curly¹

First recorded in 1720–30; curl + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Jay, with his bouffant curly hair and preternatural ability to remember the smallest details, became a de facto musical matchmaker.

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The curly, ridged shape is perfect for holding onto the thick cheese sauce.

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Domestication syndrome - anatomical and morphological changes such as curly tails, floppy ears, depigmentation, smaller brains and reduced facial skeletons - are commonly cited as some of the most salient traits, the study says.

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Video clips from the fateful 1994 rally show Colosio, his curly black hair flecked with confetti, shaking hands and signing autographs as he winds his way through a gleeful political crowd.

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Have a quick dinner at smash burger hot spot Goldburger and be sure to order the curly fries.

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Related Words

• coiled www.thesaurus.com
• curled www.thesaurus.com
• fuzzy 
• kinky 
• wavy