What does sinuous mean?
Sinuous describes a path, shape, movement, or course of action that bends, twists, or changes direction repeatedly. The word is especially associated with sinuous movement that appears smooth and flowing, as in the gestures of a dancer or the body of a snake, but it can also characterize indirect negotiations, narratives, or routes. “Sinuous path” and “sinuous movement” are common expressions. Although “tortuous” can overlap with sinuous, it is more strongly associated with complexity and difficulty, particularly in reasoning or organization. Sinuous is therefore both visual and metaphorical, making it useful for describing forms that are not straight as well as processes that develop through twists and turns rather than proceeding directly.
adjectiveHaving many twists, bends, or curves; winding or intricately curved. The word can also describe a route, process, or style that develops in a complex or indirect way.
- Having a winding, twisting, or many-curved form.
- Following an indirect or complicated course in movement, development, or presentation.
"The river followed a sinuous course through the narrow valley."
"The snake disappeared into the tall grass with a quick, sinuous movement."
"The negotiations took a sinuous course, with several abrupt reversals."
"The dancer's sinuous arms and torso made the performance seem almost liquid."
Sinuous follows the body of a serpent: its path bends and twists like one moving through grass.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sinuous come from?
Sinuous comes through French from the Latin adjective sinuosus, meaning “winding” or “full of bends.” It was formed from Latin sinus, “fold, curve, or winding channel,” the same root that also underlies sinus and sinusoidal. The modern English word has long been used for winding physical forms and was extended to more figurative descriptions of indirect or complicated movement and development.
Related word forms
How sinuous is actually used
Sinuous is often evocative rather than neutral: it can suggest graceful, fluid movement, but when describing an argument or process it may imply excessive complication or indirectness.
Easily confused with sinuous
Sinuous most often describes something physically winding or curved, whereas tortuous is especially common for reasoning, routes, or processes that are complex and difficult to follow.