curtsy

1 of 2

noun

curt·​sy ˈkərt-sē 

variants or less commonly curtsey

plural curtsies also curtseys

: an act of civility, respect, or reverence made mainly by women and consisting of a slight lowering of the body with bending of the knees

curtsy

2 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly curtsey

curtsied also curtseyed; curtsying also curtseying

intransitive verb

: to make a curtsy

Examples of curtsy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Kate Middleton’s return to royal life continues with her biggest diplomatic undertaking since announcing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year — and included an impeccable curtsy to father-in-law King Charles. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024

Every accommodating smile feels barbed, every curtsy an attack, every look of serene placidity a mask. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024

Verb

Or Isabella Rossellini, blessed with the role of the world’s most suspicious nun, screaming accusations then politely curtsying before exiting stage left. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024

The pop-up will offer merch, exclusive vinyl, and a free tote (while supplies last) to everyone who has the courtesy to curtsy on the way out the door. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of courtesy

First Known Use

Noun

1533, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1553, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

curtsy

1 of 2 noun

curt·​sy

variants also curtsey

ˈkərt-sē

plural curtsies also curtseys

: a bow made especially by women that consists of a slight lowering of the body and bending of the knees

curtsy

2 of 2 verb

variants also curtsey

curtsied also curtseyed; curtsying also curtseying

: to make a curtsy