plural noun
More than one line that bends instead of going straight, or more than one rounded shape made by such lines.
The artist drew several smooth curves.
Her smile has gentle curves.
American English
How to pronounce curves
noun · verbB1Common word
KERVZ
/kʰɚvz/
One syllable.
Form of curve
More than one line that bends instead of going straight, or more than one rounded shape made by such lines.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
plural noun
More than one part of a road or path that bends to the left or right.
The road ahead has two sharp curves.
These curves are dangerous at night.
third-person singular verb
It bends or moves in a rounded line instead of going straight.
The river curves through the valley.
The road curves around the hill.
third-person singular verb
It makes a ball or shot travel in a curved path.
The pitcher curves the ball away from the batter.
The striker curves the shot around the defender.
Useful expressions
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.
Related words & forms
With -ing, drop the final e: curving, not curveing.