curved; curving
: to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity
1
: to cause to curve
2
: to throw a curveball to (a batter)
3
: to grade (something, such as an examination) on a curve
1
a
: a line especially when curved: such as
(1)
: the path of a moving point
(2)
: a line defined by an equation so that the coordinates of its points are functions of a single independent variable or parameter
b
: the graph of a variable see also epidemic curve, learning curve, normal curve, simple closed curve, sine curve
2
4
: a distribution indicating the relative performance of individuals measured against each other that is used especially in assigning good, medium, or poor grades to usually predetermined proportions of students rather than in assigning grades based on predetermined standards of achievement
5
: trend
a growth curve in advertising revenues
especially
: a prevalent trend or rate of progress
—often used in the phrases ahead of the curve and behind the curve
companies that are behind the curve in adopting new technologies
Examples of curve in a Sentence
Verb
The tail curves over the dog's back.
The road curves to the left.
The fence curves in toward the side of the house.
The railing curves out near the observation platform.
Noun
The dog's tail has a slight curve.
There is a sharp curve coming up in the road.
the price curve in relation to inflation
Recent Examples on the Web
Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
The angles of the rooms are all curved, and there’s a circular quality to the sets that gives the impression that nothing leads anywhere.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 22 Sep. 2025
Abby Dupes, Allure, 26 Sep. 2025
Still, until Tesla demonstrates replicable manufacturing cost curves, warranty and service models, and the real operational economics of robots in factories or homes, that price should be viewed as a target rather than a fact.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curve
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Verb
The difference in the zero-point energy of space between those two locations tells us, as first derived in Hawking’s 1974 paper, that radiation will be emitted from the region around the black hole, where space is curved the most strongly.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
The angles of the rooms are all curved, and there’s a circular quality to the sets that gives the impression that nothing leads anywhere.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
Use a thin brush dipped in the color of your choice, then paint the natural curve of your nail tips for a classic French.
—Abby Dupes, Allure, 26 Sep. 2025
Still, until Tesla demonstrates replicable manufacturing cost curves, warranty and service models, and the real operational economics of robots in factories or homes, that price should be viewed as a target rather than a fact.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curve
Cite this Entry
“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curve. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
curve
1 of 2 verb
curved; curving
1
: to turn or change from a straight line or course
the road curved to the left
2
: to cause to curve
curve
2 of 2 noun1
a
: a line especially when curved
b
: a line connecting points on a graph or in a coordinate system
2
: something that bends or turns without angles
a curve in the road
3
: a ball thrown so that it moves away from a straight course
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