curls 1 of 2

Definition of curlsnext
plural of curl
as in ringlets
a length of hair that forms a loop or series of loops let her hair grow in its natural curls

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

curls

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of curl

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of curls
Noun
Taylor Swift walked the carpet in 2015, with a helmet-like bob with Goldilocks curls. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026 That durability test — putting hair up in a clip, then shaking it out and finding curls still intact — is the kind of real-world detail that separates a genuinely useful product from one that only performs under ideal conditions. Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 Since then, the icon hasn’t stopped unleashing her inner diva, continuing to grace the stage with her signature curls and bold eyes. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2026 This curling iron delivers long-lasting curls and waves and offers 30 heat levels with Turbo Heat Boost for effective styling on long and medium hair. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 Reduce frizz, add shine, and offer your curls a soft, flexible hold with Bumble and Bumble's Curl Defining Styling Cream, which should be scrunched into wet hair from mid-shaft to ends before air drying or diffusing. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026 The photo showed the Jewish symbol of the Star of David on Bouchard's forehead, the sheriff with Hasidic curls on the side of his head, and a religious cap. Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026 As for glam, the actress’ blond hair was styled with soft barrel curls that cascaded down her shoulders. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Mar. 2026 Anyone with curly hair knows that scalp care is where good curls start. Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curls
Noun
  • The Princess of Wales, who was accompanied by her husband Prince William, embraced retro ringlets à la Sarah Jessica Parker or Julia Roberts.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Chopped with face-framing curtain bangs and curled into small (almost Shirley Temple-sized) ringlets, the singer’s hair is clearly a reference to her look from the song’s energetic music video.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Dry all surfaces completely and replace knobs, drip pans, and coils back on the stove.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • On the Island of the Gods, fresh ideas arrive like waves, creating a glorious cocktail of cultures and influences.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Planes don’t crash during turbulence because their wings continuously generate lift and the surrounding air remains intact, similarly to a boat riding waves.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The rooms With curvaceous walls, built in fast-growing Indonesian bamboo, split-level villas with a spiral staircase that winds seashell-like between a ground-floor lounge and upstairs living quarters have the grounding feel of being wrapped in a tropical bamboo forest.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The route winds through 36 tunnels, including the historic Moffat Tunnel, before reaching the ski slopes.
    Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Of the seven - Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Robinson, Trusty and Tim Weah - only Robinson and Richards seem like locks for serious minutes at defender in the World Cup.
    Becky Sullivan, NPR, 1 Apr. 2026
  • His wife, Kendra, was arrested for child endangerment and false imprisonment after investigators discovered exterior door locks in their Arkansas home during a separate inquiry.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Representing a departure from the artist’s preferred medium of wood, the monument curves outward from a narrow base, its vertical form and vaguely human contours seeming to emanate light, notwithstanding the material’s heft.
    News Desk, Artforum, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Groovy Baby The color combinations on this retro stripe, which curves at the will of the nail artist, are endless.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curls. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on curls

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster