curiosity
noun
cu·ri·os·i·ty
ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē 
ˌkyər-
plural curiosities
1
: desire to know:
a
: inquisitive interest in others' concerns : nosiness
The construction inside their house aroused the curiosity of their neighbors.
b
: interest leading to inquiry
intellectual curiosity
Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
2
archaic
: undue nicety or fastidiousness
Examples of curiosity in a Sentence
Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted the curiosity of their neighbors.
The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination.
Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe.
The antique shop was full of curiosities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Go into the conversation with curiosity rather than demands.
—
R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Selby has lived a big, courageous life, and that largesse is evident on every page, in the form of the rigor and curiosity of the narrative voice.
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026
The ritual has gone from Wim Hof curiosity to mainstream obsession, with Lady Gaga, Chris Hemsworth, Joe Rogan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady and LeBron James all chasing the same icy hit.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
The youngest of her siblings, Clara is deeply cherished by her family who indulge her ethereal whimsy, telepathy, psychic abilities and endless curiosity.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
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R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Selby has lived a big, courageous life, and that largesse is evident on every page, in the form of the rigor and curiosity of the narrative voice.
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026
The ritual has gone from Wim Hof curiosity to mainstream obsession, with Lady Gaga, Chris Hemsworth, Joe Rogan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady and LeBron James all chasing the same icy hit.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
The youngest of her siblings, Clara is deeply cherished by her family who indulge her ethereal whimsy, telepathy, psychic abilities and endless curiosity.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curiosity
Cite this Entry
“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
curiosity
noun
cu·ri·os·i·ty
ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē
plural curiosities
1
: an eager desire to learn and often to learn what does not concern one : inquisitiveness
2
a
: something strange or unusual
the curiosities of nature
b
: curio
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