American English
/kʰɚv/
One syllable.
A line that bends instead of going straight, or the rounded shape made by such a line.
Practice out loudA line that bends instead of going straight, or the rounded shape made by such a line.
The artist drew a smooth curve.
The curve of the arch is beautiful.
smooth curve · gentle curve · curved line
a/an + adjective + curve
the curve of + noun
A part of a road or path that bends to the left or right.
Slow down before the sharp curve.
A motorcycle came around the curve.
sharp curve · blind curve · dangerous curve
slow down before + a/the curve
go around + a/the curve
To bend, or to move in a rounded line instead of a straight line.
The road curves around the hill.
The path curves toward the lake.
curve gently · curve sharply
the road curves around + place
the line curves toward + place
To make a ball or shot travel in a curved path.
She curved the ball into the corner.
He curved the shot around the defender.
curve a ball · curve a shot
curve + the ball
curve the shot around + a defender
The time and effort needed to learn a new skill, system, or subject.
There is a learning curve with this software.
Using the performance of a group to decide grades, especially in American education.
The professor graded the exam on a curve.
To surprise someone with an unexpected problem or question.
The interviewer threw me a curve with an unexpected question.
With -ing, drop the final e: curving, not curveing.