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
The news last month that an unprecedented auction of Martin Margiela’s early work was coming to Paris generated part enthusiasm, part curiosity — and full virality on social media.
—
Sandra Salibian, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025
Regular reading leads to positive impacts on your mental and emotional well-being, including slowing down cognitive decline, bolstering empathy and curiosity, improving your vocabulary and reducing stress.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
His sobering diagnosis, complete irreverence, and insatiable curiosity, send him on an unexpected journey learning how to die happily and ridiculously without losing his sense of humor.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
Get unlimited access to journalism that fuels your curiosity, passion and ambition.
—Forbes, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for curiosity 
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.
Sandra Salibian, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025
Regular reading leads to positive impacts on your mental and emotional well-being, including slowing down cognitive decline, bolstering empathy and curiosity, improving your vocabulary and reducing stress.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
His sobering diagnosis, complete irreverence, and insatiable curiosity, send him on an unexpected journey learning how to die happily and ridiculously without losing his sense of humor.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
Get unlimited access to journalism that fuels your curiosity, passion and ambition.
—Forbes, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for curiosity
Dictionary Entries Near curiosity
Cite this Entry
“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share