curly

adjective

ˈkər-lē 

curlier; curliest

1

: tending to curl

also : having curls

curly hair

2

: having the grain composed of fibers that undulate without crossing and that often form alternating light and dark lines

curly maple

curliness noun

Synonyms of curly

• curled
• wavy

Examples of curly in a Sentence

She has curly hair and blue eyes.

The dog's tail is curly.

Recent Examples on the Web

The wooden board is fabricated from curly maple and the knights, pawns, bishops and queens — all positioned as if a game has begun — are made of ceramics. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2026

But for the occasional straight hair look, most people can straighten their curly hair at home. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026

Alba's hair was styled in a voluminous curly blowout with a middle part. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026

Grab a classic cheeseburger with a side of curly fries, or go for one of the hearty sandwiches, like a pastrami melt or Philly-style steak sandwich. —Tiana Molony, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing curly

• curly brace
• curly bracket
• curly-coated retriever
• curly endive
• curly top

Rhymes for curly

• burley
• burly
• girlie
• girly
• hurly
• pearly
• surly

Kids Definition

curly

adjective

ˈkər-lē 

curlier; curliest

: tending to curl

also : having curls

curly hair

curliness noun