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

Their arrival on the app has been met with a mix of curiosity, playful requests for cat photos, and appeals for Chinese-language subtitles. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

This culture of curiosity drives engagement and uncovers new opportunities. —Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

The find has sparked a wave of excitement and curiosity among both experts and the public. —Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025

Cabinets of curiosities include a Napoleon bust pinned with a Chanel brooch. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 16 Jan. 2025

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