curve

A line or edge that bends smoothly instead of being straight.

• Draw a curve on the paper.
• The vase has a beautiful curve at its base.
• The graph shows a smooth upward curve.

Similar words: arc

Common phrases: smooth curve, draw a curve, gentle curve

A place where a road, path, or similar route bends.

• Slow down at the curve.
• The car disappeared around a sharp curve.
• There are several dangerous curves on this road.

Similar words: bend

Common phrases: sharp curve, curve in something, around the curve

A rounded part of a woman's body shape, often considered attractive.

• The dress follows the curve of her hips.
• She chose clothes that showed her curves.
• The artist captured every curve of the woman's figure.

Common phrases: curve of hips, natural curve, curve of waist

To bend smoothly or gradually change direction along its length.

• The road curves to the left.
• The river curved gently through the valley.
• Its long handle curves at the end.

How to use it: curve to the left/right (The path curves to the right after the bridge.); curve around something (The river curves around the village.)

Similar words: bend, arc

Common phrases: curve to something, curve around something, curve gently

To move along a smoothly bending path.

• The ball curved to the left.
• The car curved around the fountain.
• We watched the bird curve through the air.

How to use it: curve around something (The ball curved around the defender.)

Similar words: arc, swerve

Common phrases: curve around something, curve to something, curve through something

To make something move along a bending path instead of a straight one.

• Can you curve the ball?
• The pitcher curved his next throw.
• He curved a free kick into the goal.

How to use it: curve something around something (She curved the ball around the wall of defenders.)

Similar words: bend

Common phrases: curve the ball, curve around something, curve a shot