curl up

verb

curled up; curling up; curls up
Synonyms of curl upnext

intransitive verb

: to arrange oneself in or as if in a ball or curl
curl up by the fire
curl up with a good book

Synonyms

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Examples of curl up in a Sentence

I love to curl up in a big chair with a book.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The People cover story opens with Meghan’s description of being curled up in bed with a sleeping Archie on a recent winter evening. — Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025 This one is perfect for curling up with a cup of tea. — Abby Kass, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 Next is a picture of Nadal, who was pregnant at the time, curled up on a couch beside the dog. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025 At the end of a long day, many pet owners love nothing more than curling up in bed with their four-legged friends. — Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curl up

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curl up was in 1840

Rhymes for curl up

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Browse Nearby Words

curl up
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Cite this Entry

“Curl up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curl%20up. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

curl up

verb
: to arrange oneself in or as if in a curl or ball
curl up with a good book

More from Merriam-Webster on curl up

Nglish: Translation of curl up for Spanish Speakers

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