cursive

Everyday

1. (noun) Joined-up handwriting, in which the letters of a word are connected by flowing strokes: «We are learning cursive». tree →
2. (adjective) Written with joined, flowing letters: «cursive writing», «a cursive font». tree →

In the lessons

In primary school in the UK, Ireland, Australia and NZ, children learn «joined-up writing» around ages 6–8; in the USA and Canada it is called «cursive», though some schools teach it less now that people type. Handwriting lessons practise entry and exit strokes. Old letters, birthday cards and historical documents (like the US Declaration of Independence) are often in cursive. Phrases: «write in cursive», «cursive handwriting», «cursive script».

Examples

• We practise cursive every morning in Year 3. tree →
• Grandma's letters are in beautiful cursive. tree →
• Some children find cursive faster than printing. tree →
• Can you read the cursive on this old postcard? tree →
• The invitation was printed in a curly cursive font. tree →
• Joining the letters is the trick to cursive writing. tree →
• My teacher says neat cursive helps spelling. tree →

Note

Uncountable as a noun: «write in cursive», not «a cursive». UK schools usually say «joined-up writing»; «cursive» is the usual US word. The opposite is «print» or «printing» (separate letters). Said «KUR-siv».