What does curtsey mean?
A curtsey is a traditional gesture of respect in which a woman bends one knee behind the other and lowers her body slightly, often extending one foot forward. It has long been the female counterpart to the male bow and is most closely associated with greetings directed at royalty, aristocracy, or other figures of high rank. The word doubles as a verb, so one may both perform a curtsey and curtsey to someone. Deep curtseys signal particular deference, while shallow ones serve as lighter acknowledgements. Although once an everyday social requirement, the curtsey today survives mainly in ceremonial settings, period dramas, dance, and etiquette instruction. It derives from 'courtesy', literally embodying the idea of courtly respect in a single graceful movement, and remains a vivid emblem of formal politeness.
A respectful gesture made by bending the knees and lowering the body slightly, traditionally performed by women when greeting royalty or a person of high rank.
"Each guest offered a polite curtsey as she was introduced to the ambassador."
Depth of the curtsey historically reflected the relative rank of the person being greeted.
To perform a curtsey; to bend the knees and lower the body slightly as a sign of respect.
"She curtseyed gracefully before taking her seat at the banquet."
The standard plural follows regular noun inflection; the verb forms are 'curtseyed' and 'curtseying'.
"A chorus of quick curtseys greeted the visiting princess as she entered the hall."
A curtsey isn't just bending your knees — it's a linguistic fossil, preserving the word 'courtesy' in physical form every time it's performed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of curtsey
The word 'curtsey' originated in the late 16th or early 17th century as an alteration of 'courtesy', reflecting how the physical gesture embodied courteous behaviour. It developed within English, drawing on the older sense of 'court' and courtly conduct that shaped medieval and Renaissance manners. Its close relative 'curtsy' emerged later as a simplified spelling of the same word, and the two have coexisted ever since.
Related word forms
How curtsey is actually used
Primarily performed by women; men traditionally bow instead. The spelling 'curtsy' is now more common than 'curtsey' in modern British English, though both are accepted. Considered a formal or ceremonial word, largely confined to royal, diplomatic, theatrical, or historical contexts in contemporary usage.
Easily confused with curtsey
'Curtsy' is simply a variant spelling of 'curtsey' — the two words mean exactly the same thing, with no difference in meaning or usage.