plural noun
Offensive words or expressions used in speech.
His curses filled the room.
The movie contains too many curses.
American English
How to pronounce curses
noun · verbB1Common word
KERsihz
/ˈkʰɚ.sɪz/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of curse
Offensive words or expressions used in speech.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
plural noun
Magic words or powers believed to cause harm or bad luck.
The story describes several ancient curses.
The villagers feared the curses on their crops.
plural noun
Serious problems that cause continuing trouble or unhappiness.
The curses of fame include loneliness and constant attention.
The curses of poverty can last for generations.
third-person singular verb
Uses offensive words, especially when angry or in pain.
He curses whenever the machine stops.
She curses at the traffic every morning.
Useful expressions
an offensive word
Please do not use curse words at work.
to use magic to cause harm or bad luck to someone or something
The legend says that a witch put a curse on the castle.
something with both good and bad effects
Being famous can be a blessing and a curse.
Related words & forms
Drop the final e before -ing: cursing, not curseing.