curiosity

noun

cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē 

ˌkyər-

plural curiosities

1

: desire to know:

a

: inquisitive interest in others' concerns : nosiness

The construction inside their house aroused the curiosity of their neighbors.

b

: interest leading to inquiry

intellectual curiosity

Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.

2

archaic : undue nicety or fastidiousness

3

a

: one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics

Tobacco was once regarded as a curiosity in Europe.

b

: an unusual knickknack : curio

The antique shop was full of curiosities.

c

: a curious trait or aspect

Synonyms

• curiousness
• inquisitiveness
• nosiness

Examples of curiosity in a Sentence

Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.

The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted the curiosity of their neighbors.

The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination.

Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe.

The antique shop was full of curiosities.

Recent Examples on the Web

As that night unfolded with a kind of morbid curiosity — was this really happening? —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024

Listen with curiosity and be transparent about company and team visions. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Mexico's obsession with Korean series — and more cultural curiosity While Mickey’s cultural identity is not a focal point, García-Rulfo, who has played his fair share of drug dealers, recognized the significance of his portrayal of a Mexican lawyer. —Max Gao, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024

This transition brings a sense of curiosity and expansion to your personal life, inspiring a desire to explore everything from your family lineage to the color of your wallpaper. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see curious

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

curiosity

noun

cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē 

plural curiosities

1

: an eager desire to learn and often to learn what does not concern one : inquisitiveness

2

a

: something strange or unusual

the curiosities of nature

b

: curio