Curtsy

/ˈkɜːrtsi/
noun

A traditional gesture where a girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head, used to show respect or gratitude.

The little girl gave a curtsy to the queen.
Visual representation of "curtsy" - A traditional gesture where a girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head, used to show respect or gratitude.

Often appears as...

  • give a curtsy
  • perform a curtsy
verb

To lower your body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in respect or to express a greeting or acknowledgement.

She curtsied to the audience after her performance.
Visual representation of "curtsy" - To lower your body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in respect or to express a greeting or acknowledgement.

Often appears as...

  • curtsy deeply
  • curtsy politely
noun

A traditional gesture where a girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head, used to show respect or gratitude.

The little girl gave a curtsy to the queen.
Visual representation of "curtsy" - A traditional gesture where a girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head, used to show respect or gratitude.

Often appears as...

  • give a curtsy
  • perform a curtsy
verb

To lower your body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in respect or to express a greeting or acknowledgement.

She curtsied to the audience after her performance.
Visual representation of "curtsy" - To lower your body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in respect or to express a greeting or acknowledgement.

Often appears as...

  • curtsy deeply
  • curtsy politely
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "curtsy"
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Gender Specific

Traditionally, curtsying is a gesture performed by females, not males.

Illustration for Gender Specific
Even in the play, only the female characters were expected to curtsy.
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Cultural Significance

The act of curtsying is more common in cultures with monarchies or formal traditions.

Illustration for Cultural Significance
At the British royal event, participants curtsied when greeting the duchess.
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Formal Occasions

Curtsying is typically reserved for formal events, ceremonies, or when addressing high-status individuals.

Illustration for Formal Occasions
During the formal reception, each guest offered a curtsy to the ambassador.
Visual representation of the word "Curtsy"

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Quote examples

Helen Hayes

American Actress

I'm a boss by nature. I'm bossy. I'm not imperious, but I don't really want people to curtsy low before me and back out of rooms, but I do like to run things.
Portrait of Helen Hayes

Quote examples

Trudie Styler

English Actress

When I first met Clint Eastwood, I bobbed him a curtsy. I still cringe about that to this day.
Portrait of Trudie Styler

Quote examples

Helen Hayes

American Actress

I'm a boss by nature. I'm bossy. I'm not imperious, but I don't really want people to curtsy low before me and back out of rooms, but I do like to run things.
Portrait of Helen Hayes

Quote examples

Trudie Styler

English Actress

When I first met Clint Eastwood, I bobbed him a curtsy. I still cringe about that to this day.
Portrait of Trudie Styler
Example 1 of 2
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