curls 1 of 2

Definition of curlsnext
plural of curl
as in ringlets
a length of hair that forms a loop or series of loops let her hair grow in its natural curls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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curls

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of curl

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of curls
Noun
Jojoba seed oil and sunflower seed extract hydrate dry hair so curls stay bouncy and not crunchy. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2026 Then there’s the Medium Conditioner, which features shea butter, castor oil, and panthenol to smooth the cuticle and lock in hydration, keeping curls soft and defined. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Apr. 2026 The curls of Father’s tobacco smoke in the night air. Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026 Once you’re done styling, just press the button to set your curls with a strong hold that won’t fall out, even during a hot Southern summer. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026 At Laredo Taqueria, steam curls from a sizzling skillet as the aroma of jalapeño, cumin, and fresh lime mingles with the nutty scent of tortillas cooking nearby. Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026 Before each session, McDaniel invites clients to share their personal histories, and then McDaniel performs bodywork through touch as sage smoke curls in the air. Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 While cleansing conditioners will gently clean your curls, don’t expect the product to lather much. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 According to Secrest, hot rollers were made for big ringlet curls. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curls
Noun
  • Per photos shared by TMZ, the hair chameleon ditched her signature natural waves for the night out, instead styling her honey blonde lob in tight yet voluminous ringlets.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Chopped with face-framing curtain bangs and curled into small (almost Shirley Temple-sized) ringlets, the singer’s hair is clearly a reference to her look from the song’s energetic music video.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Dry all surfaces completely and replace knobs, drip pans, and coils back on the stove.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Financially dependent on her parents throughout her youth and confused by waves of calm or small kindnesses, Gross wrestled with distancing herself for some time before cutting contact with her parents and brothers as an adult.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The lapping waves that arrive shortly thereafter are an alarming detour, but their presence quickly feels normal.
    Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Many travelers opt to take a four-wheeler down the Sand Highway, a one-way trail into a canyon on the boundary of the dunes, or on the South Boundary Trail, which winds along the eastern side of the main dune area.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The rooms With curvaceous walls, built in fast-growing Indonesian bamboo, split-level villas with a spiral staircase that winds seashell-like between a ground-floor lounge and upstairs living quarters have the grounding feel of being wrapped in a tropical bamboo forest.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Her slightly shorter brunette locks feature a hint of golden highlights that frame her face.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Each container comes with a matching lid with a silicone gasket, which provides an airtight seal and locks in freshness.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Designed by renowned architect Peter Zumthor, the sculptural design is a 900-foot-long, horizontal, glass and concrete structure that curves and stretches along Hancock Park and across Wilshire Boulevard.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In another panel, a man and child walk away from the town along a railroad track that curves up and to the left, and then disappears.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Curls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curls. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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