curl

A small section of hair that forms a curved or round shape.

• A curl fell across her forehead.
• His hair forms tight curls when it is wet.
• She brushed out the curls before going to bed.

Similar words: ringlet

Common phrases: tight curl, loose curl, natural curl

A pattern of light and dark bands in wood, especially wood used for musical instruments.

• The maple has a beautiful curl.
• The violin maker chose wood with a strong curl.
• Light brings out the curl on the back of the instrument.

Similar words: flame

Common phrases: maple curl, pronounced curl

To bend, or make something bend, into a curved or round shape.

• The leaves curl in hot weather.
• She curled her fingers around the handle.
• Smoke curled above the chimney.

How to use it: curl around something (The cat curled its tail around my wrist.)

Similar words: coil, bend

Opposites: straighten

Common phrases: curl around something, curl inward, curl your hair

To play an ice sport in which players slide heavy stones towards a target.

• We curl every Sunday.
• She curled for her university team.
• Do you curl at the local rink?

Common phrases: curl competitively, curl regularly