curiosity

noun

cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
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
3
a
: one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics
Tobacco was once regarded as a curiosity in Europe.
b
: an unusual knickknack : curio
The antique shop was full of curiosities.
c
: a curious trait or aspect

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
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.
Be mindful of striking a balance between encouraging their curiosity and keeping them safe. Holly Garcia, Parents, 22 Nov. 2024 This holiday season, consider reframing the challenges of family gatherings as opportunities to practice humility, curiosity, and compassion. Margie Warrell, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Read the full Virgo Daily Horoscope Libra (September 23 - October 22) Entertain your curiosities. USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 Seed’s father, a garrulous and engaging Brit, may not be as famous for his semiotic theories, but his words do as much as anyone’s to fuel the filmmaker’s curiosity. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for curiosity 

Word History

Etymology

see curious

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curiosity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near curiosity

Cite this Entry

“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curiosity. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

curiosity

noun
cu·​ri·​os·​i·​ty ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē How to pronounce curiosity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on curiosity

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