curling iron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “curling iron” mean?
A heated cylindrical device used to curl hair by wrapping sections of hair around it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heated cylindrical device used to curl hair by wrapping sections of hair around it.
Any handheld electrical or non-electrical tool designed specifically to create curls or waves in hair through the application of heat and a winding technique.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in both varieties. In British English, 'curling tongs' is a common alternative, though 'curling iron' is widely understood.
Connotations
Neutral in both; associated with personal grooming and hairstyling.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, where 'curling iron' is the dominant term. In British English, 'tongs' and 'iron' are both used.
Grammar
How to Use “curling iron” in a Sentence
use a curling ironcurl hair with a curling ironheat up the curling ironburn oneself on the curling ironVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “curling iron” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to curling-iron her fringe for a change.
- I need to curling-iron this section again.
American English
- She's going to curling iron her hair for the party.
- Can you curling iron the ends for me?
adverb
British English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- She bought a new curling-iron case.
- The curling-iron burn was painful.
American English
- She has a curling iron burn on her neck.
- The curling iron cord is tangled.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Retail contexts: 'Sales of curling irons increased by 15% this quarter.'
Academic
Rare; potentially in material science or design studies: 'The ceramic coating on modern curling irons improves heat distribution.'
Everyday
Very common: 'I need to buy a new curling iron before the wedding.'
Technical
In beauty industry training: 'The stylist demonstrated the correct technique for using a 25mm curling iron.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “curling iron”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “curling iron”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “curling iron”
- Misspelling as 'curlingion' or 'curlingiron' (should be two words or hyphenated).
- Using 'curling iron' to refer to a hair straightener.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two separate words ('curling iron'). The hyphenated form 'curling-iron' is also sometimes used, especially when functioning as a modifier (e.g., curling-iron burn).
A traditional curling iron has a clamp or clip to hold the hair against the heated barrel. A curling wand typically does not have a clamp; the hair is simply wrapped around the barrel by hand, offering a different technique and often creating a more relaxed wave.
Informally, yes, especially in American English (e.g., 'I need to curling iron my hair'). However, it is not a standard dictionary verb. More formal alternatives are 'to curl (hair) with a curling iron' or simply 'to curl'.
Yes, it is used and understood. However, 'curling tongs' is a traditional and equally common term in British English for the same tool.
A heated cylindrical device used to curl hair by wrapping sections of hair around it.
Curling iron is usually informal, everyday in register.
Curling iron: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɜː.lɪŋ ˌaɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɝː.lɪŋ ˌaɪ.ɚn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CURLING your hair with a metal IRON rod. The word itself describes the action and the tool.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR SHAPING/TRANSFORMATION (like a sculptor's tool, but for hair).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a curling iron?