curling

UK: ˈkɜː.lɪŋ | US: ˈkɜːr.lɪŋ

Definition
  1. n. a sport played on ice where players slide stones toward a target area

  2. n. the action or process of curling (e.g., hair or leaves)

  3. v. present participle of "curl" (to form into a curved or spiral shape)

Structure
curl <to bend into a curve>ing <noun/verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "curling" originates from the verb "curl," derived from Middle English "crullen" (to twist or bend), which traces back to Old Norse "krulla" (to curl). The suffix "-ing" denotes the action or result of curling, reflecting both the sport (where stones glide in a curved path) and the general act of forming curves (e.g., hair or paper). The sport's name emerged in the 16th century, inspired by the stone's motion.

Examples
  1. Curling is a popular winter sport in Canada.

  2. She won a gold medal in team curling at the Olympics.

  3. The leaves were curling in the dry heat.

  4. He practiced curling his hair with a new iron.

  5. The smoke curled upward from the chimney.