curiosity
noun
cu·ri·os·i·ty
ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē 
ˌkyər-
plural curiosities
1
: desire to know:
a
: inquisitive interest in others' concerns : nosiness
The construction inside their house aroused the curiosity of their neighbors.
b
: interest leading to inquiry
intellectual curiosity
Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
2
archaic
: undue nicety or fastidiousness
Examples of curiosity in a Sentence
Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted the curiosity of their neighbors.
The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination.
Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe.
The antique shop was full of curiosities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Applying this approach helps leaders foster a culture of inquiry, better preparing their teams to respond to challenges with curiosity rather than fear.
—
Amy Shoenthal, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Designed as a meditative oasis, the landscape includes two spaces: a spiral path lined by pollinator plantings (above), and a lawn with playful topography and plantings to foster curiosity about the natural world.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2025
Where Venus in Gemini brought spontaneity and curiosity, Venus in Cancer asks for consistency and care.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 27 July 2025
Kay's is a vulnerable collection about facing the good, the bad and the ugly of our humanity with grace and curiosity.
—Pamela Avila, USA Today, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
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Amy Shoenthal, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Designed as a meditative oasis, the landscape includes two spaces: a spiral path lined by pollinator plantings (above), and a lawn with playful topography and plantings to foster curiosity about the natural world.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2025
Where Venus in Gemini brought spontaneity and curiosity, Venus in Cancer asks for consistency and care.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 27 July 2025
Kay's is a vulnerable collection about facing the good, the bad and the ugly of our humanity with grace and curiosity.
—Pamela Avila, USA Today, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
Cite this Entry
“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
curiosity
noun
cu·ri·os·i·ty
ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē
plural curiosities
1
: an eager desire to learn and often to learn what does not concern one : inquisitiveness
2
a
: something strange or unusual
the curiosities of nature
b
: curio
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