English · Word Candidate

curl

/kɜːl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: curls · curling · curled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A curving piece or lock of hair; a ringlet.

Noun

Examples

My hair doesn't have much curl.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A curved stroke or shape.

Noun

Examples

[…] the backs of their necks and their forelegs are decorated with curls and their necks and bodies are covered with fine, undulating lines.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To cause to move in a curve.

Verb

Examples

He picked the ball up about forty yards out on the left wing, left a trail of Arsenal defenders in his wake, and curled the ball round Geoff Barnett as he came right out into the far corner.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To make into a curl or spiral.

Verb

Examples

She curls her spine; she wedges a pillow between her knees.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “curl” mean?

A curving piece or lock of hair; a ringlet.

Is “curl” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.