What does sinuously mean?
Sinuously is an adverb meaning in a winding, twisting, or serpentine manner. It is especially appropriate for movement or shapes that curve repeatedly rather than proceeding in a straight line: a stream may flow sinuously through a meadow, while a dancer or animal may move sinuously across a space. The word has a formal, descriptive quality and is often found in literary, geographical, artistic, or scientific contexts. Its basic sense suggests graceful or continuous change of direction, although it can also describe anything irregularly winding. The adverb derives from “sinuous,” which comes from Latin and is also related to the mathematical term “sine.” The word is useful when precision about curved or meandering movement is important, but it may sound unnecessarily elaborate in casual conversation.
adverbIn a winding, twisting, or serpentine manner.
- In a winding, twisting, curving, or serpentine manner.
"The river flowed sinuously through the reeds before widening into a calm lake."
"A narrow road wound sinuously down the mountainside."
"She moved sinuously across the stage, following the music."
From the same Latin root as the mathematical sine, “sinuously” describes movement that bends and curves like a wave.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sinuously come from?
“Sinuously” was formed in English from “sinuous,” with the adverbial suffix -ly. “Sinuous” comes through French from Latin sinuosus, derived from sinus, meaning a bend, fold, or winding curve. The same Latin source also underlies “sinus” and, through the mathematical term “sine,” gave rise to “sinusoidal.”
Related word forms
How sinuously is actually used
A relatively formal or literary word, commonly used in descriptions of rivers, roads, movement, lines, and other winding forms.