quirk

1 of 2

noun

ˈkwərk 

1

a

: an abrupt twist or curve

b

: a peculiar trait : idiosyncrasy

c

: accident, vagary

a quirk of fate

2

: a groove separating a bead or other molding from adjoining members

quirkish

ˈkwər-kish 

adjective

quirk

2 of 2

verb

quirked; quirking; quirks

: curve, twist

quirked his eyebrows

Did you know?

Those whose quirk is to zig while others zag (and conversely those who zag while others zig) will appreciate the origins of today’s word. Not its etymological origins, mind you—no one knows whence quirk came—but the twists and turns of its meanings across the centuries. The oldest known use of quirk dates to the mid-1500s, and referred to a clever verbal dodge of the kind one might use to turn the tables on someone in an argument or debate. It didn’t take long for quirk’s meaning to expand to cover all kinds of twisty, turn-y things, from witty retorts and curlicue flourishes made with ink on paper to the vagaries or twists of fate. The sense of quirk meaning “a peculiarity of action or behavior” refers to a twist of sorts as well, insofar as our quirks often flip others’ expectations of us, perhaps even causing them to quirk their eyebrows now and again. In a surprising twist, quirk began to be used as a verb meaning “to curve or twist” in the late 1800s.

Synonyms

Noun

• crotchet
• curiosity
• eccentricity
• erraticism
• idiosyncrasy
• individualism
• kink
• mannerism
• oddity
• peculiarity
• quiddity
• quip
• singularity
• tic
• trick
• twist

Examples of quirk in a Sentence

Noun

Everyone has their little quirks.

wearing red shoes every day is just one of her quirks

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Keep the pattern going so your audience knows what to expect. Don't hide your quirks or try to sound like everyone else. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Allen used his athleticism, creativity and a statistical quirk to become the first quarterback ever credited with a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game in Buffalo’s win over San Francisco. —Associated Pess, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024

Verb

Are these personality quirks the essence of their brilliance or pathological eccentricities which sabotage greatness and should not be excused? —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2023

Working from home: The fun quirks couples learn about each other Look and sound more professional Mind your manners in online meetings by following these tips For video meetings, the eyes have it. —Brett Molina, USA TODAY, 4 June 2020

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1878, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

quirk

noun

ˈkwərk

1

: a sudden turn, twist, or curve

2

: an odd personal habit : idiosyncrasy

quirky

ˈkwər-kē

adjective