curvy

Everyday

1. Curvy means having many curves or bends, not straight. tree →
2. (informal) A curvy woman has a rounded body shape with wide hips; it is a polite or admiring description. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and maths art lessons it describes lines, roads, letters and shapes that bend. In geometry «curved» is the normal school word; «curvy» is more casual. The body sense is adult and informal. Phrases: curvy road, curvy line.

Examples

• The curvy road went up the side of the mountain. tree →
• Draw a curvy line like a snake. tree →
• The letter S is curvier than the letter L. tree →
• The car slowed down on the curvy path. tree →
• The river is curvy, with lots of bends. tree →
• The vase has a curvy shape. tree →
• The slide at the park is long and curvy. tree →

Note

Comparatives: curvier, curviest (y → i). In maths writing use «curved line», not «curvy line». Opposite: straight. Talking about people's bodies can be personal — be careful.