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
Adam Williams, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
Clustered modular residences, large circular windows and curving rooflines rise above a dry riverbed.
—Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024
Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
In that scenario, money will continue to move further out on the curve in anticipation of those cuts.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for curve 
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Created in collaboration with engineering giant Arup, its curving form has been constructed from two layers of slanted concrete shells that help echo the sound of the waves.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
Clustered modular residences, large circular windows and curving rooflines rise above a dry riverbed.
—Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024
Noun
On the short end of the curve, the U.S. two-year Treasury yield fell for the first time in six days, down 3.7 bps at 4.166% US2YT=RR.
—Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
In that scenario, money will continue to move further out on the curve in anticipation of those cuts.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
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 22 Nov. 2024.
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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