curtsy
Americannoun
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of curtsy
First recorded in 1520–30; variant of courtesy
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.
Vocabulary lists containing curtsy
One Crazy Summer
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The Benefits of Being an Octopus
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A Little Princess
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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.
See Examples For:
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
She took the daughters to swimming lessons, taught them to curtsy and helped arrange membership for them in the Brownies and Girl Guides.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 4, 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
"I remember hugging, then I realised I'd forgotten to curtsy and I went back to do a curtsy. It was totally overwhelming, but it was very funny."
From BBC ● May 16, 2025
I curtsy, keeping my gaze on the floor.
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
At least imperial courtiers trust in strict codes about curtsies and proper titles.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2025
“The lady typically curtsies, keeping her eyes up. A gentleman bows with his eyes cast down.”
From Reuters ● Aug. 21, 2018
Though curtsies are a thing of the past, the Royal Box remains a prominent part of the Centre Court pageantry.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 13, 2018
The daughters of the old planter families held elaborate curtsies while announcers read their biographical statements.
From New York Times ● Feb. 8, 2017
“Please, Ophelia, stand. The curtsies are all for my mother; I’m not so old-fashioned. Although,” Richard said, tapping his chin as he thought, “we should probably have this conversation in the study.”
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
Most bowed their heads, some curtsied and others blew kisses.
From New York Times ● Sep. 17, 2022
Some mourners bowed and curtsied or nodded or whispered “thank you.”
From Washington Post ● Sep. 15, 2022
As people approached the exit, many spontaneously curtsied and bowed as they looked back on the Queen's coffin.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2022
As Queen Mary curtsied to her granddaughter and kissed each cheek, she admonished: “Lilibet, your skirts are much too short for mourning,” Holt writes.
From Seattle Times ● May 26, 2022
Lillian went up to her husband and as soon as every eye was on her, she curtsied charmingly and asked him for the next dance.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
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
Mother was so nervous, she backed into the trestle table while curtsying.
From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
