Meaning of the word "curl up" in English

What does "curl up" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

curl up

US /kɜːrl ˈʌp/

UK /kɜːl ʌp/

to sit or lie in a position with your arms and legs close to your body

Example:

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She likes to curl up on the sofa with a good book.

•

The cat curled up in a ball on the rug.

Synonym:

huddle cuddle snuggle nestle coil

if something such as paper or a leaf curls up, its edges bend inwards

Example:

•

The old photographs had started to curl up at the edges.

•

The heat made the leaves curl up and turn brown.

Synonym:

roll up bend fold twist