curl up

verb

curled up; curling up; curls up

intransitive verb

: to arrange oneself in or as if in a ball or curl
curl up by the fire
curl up with a good book

Examples of curl up in a Sentence

I love to curl up in a big chair with a book.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Cabin Winter is a time for hibernation, and there’s no better place to curl up than in a mountain cabin with a good book, a journal, and a roaring fire. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2024 While cats are generally known for their aloof nature, Pita the orange kitten has gone viral after her owner shared a video of the cat repeatedly curling up around her throat to get comfortable. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 The pricier Plus Luxe has an extra 1.75 inches of foam to add more cushion for the hips and shoulders, which is great for folks who curl up on their sides. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 2 Dec. 2024 Sullivan practices wellness by curling up in a robe, applying a face mask, and relaxing into a 10-minute meditation session. Claire Sullivan, WWD, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for curl up 

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curl up was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near curl up

Cite this Entry

“Curl up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curl%20up. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

curl up

verb
: to arrange oneself in or as if in a curl or ball
curl up with a good book

More from Merriam-Webster on curl up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!