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

Apple Glen is a visible learning school and helps students guide their own progress through perseverance, problem solving, curiosity and collaboration, according to the district. —Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 18 Dec. 2024

The personal-name guillotine seemed a curiosity when my students first brought it to my attention at least a year ago. —Jonathan L. Zittrain, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024

One clear throughline was that a lack of curiosity does not seem to bode well for retirement happiness. —Wes Moss, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Or how a degree in African American Studies has led to the research interests that intersect with her work while emboldening her sense of curiosity that drives her. —Essence, 16 Dec. 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