# curls

/ˈkɝɫz/ (US) · /kˈɜːlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/curls
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. curly hair

noun · CEFR A2

hair that grows in a curved or circular shape rather than being straight.

For teachers: a lock or strand of hair that forms a spiral or curved shape; often used collectively to describe a person's hair type.

- She spent all morning trying to brush the tangles out of her natural curls.
- The stylist used a specific serum to define her natural curls, preventing the humidity from turning them into a mass of frizz.

### 2. curved shapes

noun · CEFR B1

objects or marks that have a curved or spiral shape.

For teachers: objects, shapes, or markings characterized by a spiral or curved form.

- Small curls of smoke rose slowly from the chimney into the cold air.
- The old manuscript was decorated with elegant curls of gold ink that wound around the edges of every page.

### 3. forming a curve

verb · CEFR B1

to move or bend into a curved or circular shape.

For teachers: to form or cause to form into a curve, spiral, or undulating shape.

- The cat always curls its tail around its paws when it sleeps.
- The paper often curls at the edges if it is left in a damp room for too long.

## Examples

- She has long, dark curls.
- The stylist used a curling iron to create soft curls for the wedding party.
- Her tight curls framed her face, adding texture and volume to her otherwise sleek and minimalist hairstyle.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.