curly
word
/ˈkɝɫi/
KUR-lee
/kˈɜːli/
KUR-lee
Definition
Having many curves or twists; often used to describe hair that forms ringlets or waves instead of being straight.
Usage & Nuances
Most common with 'curly hair'. Can also describe other things shaped in spirals (e.g., 'curly fries'). 'Curly' is positive or neutral, while 'frizzy' means untidy curls. Not used for slight waves—that's 'wavy'.
Spanish: rizadoPortuguese (BR): encaracolado - cacheadoPortuguese (PT): encaracolado - encaracolado (cabelo) - onduladoChinese (Simplified): 卷曲的Chinese (Traditional): 捲曲的Hindi: घुंघरालेArabic: مجعدBengali: ঘুরানো - কোঁকড়ানোRussian: кудрявый - завитойJapanese: くるくるした - 巻き毛のVietnamese: xoănKorean: 곱슬곱슬한Turkish: kıvırcık - bukleliUrdu: گھنگریالےIndonesian: keriting - ikal
Example Sentences
She has curly hair.
basic
The dog’s tail is very curly.
basic
I bought some curly fries with my burger.
basic
My hair gets really curly when it’s humid.
natural
She prefers her hair straight, but it’s naturally curly.
natural
Do you want your parsley curly or flat-leaf?
natural