curtsy

American  

[kurt-see] / ˈkɜrt si /

Or curtsey

noun

• curtsies
  plural

1. a respectful bow made by women and girls, consisting of bending the knees and lowering the body.

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verb (used without object)

curtsied, curtsying

1. to make a curtsy.

curtsy British  

/ ˈkɜːtsɪ /

noun

1. a formal gesture of greeting and respect made by women in which the knees are bent, the head slightly bowed, and the skirt held outwards

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verb

1. (intr) to make a curtsy

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• curtsies
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of curtsy

First recorded in 1520–30; variant of courtesy

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Explanation

A curtsy is an old-fashioned half-bow that shows extreme respect. A woman or girl is generally expected to curtsy when meeting the Queen of England. There aren't many opportunities these days to curtsy, stepping forward with one foot, slightly bending both knees, and lowering your head. You're much more likely to read a reference to a curtsy in an old book or observe an actor curtsy on a stage than to see people curtsy in real life. The word curtsy sounds a little bit like courtesy, and that's exactly where it comes from.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

curtsy curtsies curtsied curtsying

He has them doing hip thrusts, banded side lunges, goblet curtsy squats and cable kickbacks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 16, 2026

Valerie’s career is a long curtsy to declining standards and compromises; her 2014 journey thumbed its nose at the town’s prestige-chasing.

From Salon ● Mar. 26, 2026

"That's why I grabbed his hands - because I forgot to curtsy," she said.

From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2026

"I don't know, I just do. When you love it, you do it, right? 'Don't sleep, don't eat, just do it on repeat,' to quote myself," she said with a mock curtsy.

From Barron's ● Jan. 24, 2026

Rather than continue to argue, I nod and curtsy.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

“He’s so polite. We appreciate that. We’re from a generation that curtsies and says please and thank you,” said Mom, who I’m certain has never curtsied.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

At least imperial courtiers trust in strict codes about curtsies and proper titles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2025

Still, a stickler for the rules and an ardent monarchist, Thatcher famously arrived early to her meetings with the queen and gave incredibly low, reverential curtsies.

From New York Times ● Nov. 16, 2020

“The lady typically curtsies, keeping her eyes up. A gentleman bows with his eyes cast down.”

From Reuters ● Aug. 21, 2018

We dropped three numb little curtsies, and turned to go.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

“He’s so polite. We appreciate that. We’re from a generation that curtsies and says please and thank you,” said Mom, who I’m certain has never curtsied.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

Standing in a shadowy archway on a bridge leading into Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire, England, sheep nibbling the grass below, Julianne Moore curtsied deeply, lowering her eyes before a splendidly gowned woman.

From New York Times ● Mar. 29, 2024

“I wanted to be here to be part of history. I curtsied in front of her coffin,” 9-year-old Delainie White said, explaining that she felt it was important to be there to pay her respects.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2022

She enforced its rules, maintained the hierarchy, smiled politely while men bowed and women curtsied.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 13, 2022

I hated how Grandma curtsied and stepped backwards when this happened.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Her most famous role was to present the trophies at Wimbledon, where - it was reported - she was instrumental in ending the tradition of players bowing and curtsying when passing the royal box.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2025

Meghan likens curtsying for the Queen to visiting Medieval Times.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 8, 2022

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was seen curtsying to the coffin, are among dignitaries who have already paid their respects.

From Reuters ● Sep. 18, 2022

“It’s like curtsying to the queen. There’s no law that requires it. It’s just a matter of whether or not you choose to do it,” Twomey said.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 11, 2022

I blush, totally embarrassed that I even thought about curtsying to Mrs. Hameed.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

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