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
Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
The 25-year-old’s redemption arc continued to curve at Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 12 Jan. 2026
Just before she was spotted at the awards show, the Kylie Cosmetics founder (who didn't walk the carpet) showed off her ensemble on Instagram, rocking a custom sequin Ashi Studio curve-hugging gown with a low sweetheart neckline accented with straps that lay across her shoulders and chest.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curve
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Verb
The animal's tail is usually held up, with the tip curving downward, and its legs are equally lengthened.
—Noun
Carthen arrived on the red carpet on January 11 wearing emerald green Christian Siriano, which showed off every curve, and generally stopped all viewers right in their tracks.
—Cite this Entry
“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curve. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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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