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
Synonyms
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
Shauna Farnell, The Denver Post, 29 Jan. 2025
Worn slightly tousled and curved around her chin, the bob was the work of her longtime hairstylist Larry Sims.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Not only is the market constantly changing, but so is technology and other tools that brands need to utilize to stay ahead of the curve.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for curve 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Located at The Meadows at the top of Elk Camp Gondola, the Snowmass tubing experience takes you down multiple lanes, zooming, curving, gliding and spinning.
—Shauna Farnell, The Denver Post, 29 Jan. 2025
Worn slightly tousled and curved around her chin, the bob was the work of her longtime hairstylist Larry Sims.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
Stay ahead of the curve with our expert insights and find your next favorite product right here.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Not only is the market constantly changing, but so is technology and other tools that brands need to utilize to stay ahead of the curve.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for curve
Dictionary Entries Near curve
Cite this Entry
“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curve. Accessed 10 Feb. 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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