curl up verb 5curl-up noun 1forms 4 verb5 •to curl, make curly, shape into curlsRollers are a good way to curl up your hair. •to shape one's body into a somewhat ball-like shape, with one's legs tucked into the abdomen, especially for cosiness or for protection.curl up with a good book •to become curly •to coil or shrivel, make into a coil •to become coiled or shriveled curl-up noun1 •crunch (exercise) formscurled up · curling up · curls up · curl-ups