noun
kerb
kurb
Also spelled curb (US spelling)
Kerb (noun) means the raised edge of a pavement or footpath where it meets the road (British spelling of "curb"). Example: “He parked the car close to the kerb.”
noun
1
The raised edge of a pavement or footpath where it meets the road (British spelling of "curb").
"He parked the car close to the kerb."
"She tripped stepping down off the kerb."
verb
1
To scrape or damage a wheel or tyre by hitting the kerb.
"He kerbed the alloy wheel while parallel parking."
How to use kerb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe stone or concrete edge between the pavement and the road.
UK vs US
British English writes "kerb" for the pavement edge; American English uses "curb" for both this and the verb meaning to restrain.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
kerb crawler
mount the kerb
kerb your dog
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- kerbs
- Past tense
- kerbed
Fill the gap
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He parked the car close to the _____.
Etymology
A British spelling variant of "curb", itself from French courber, "to bend or curve".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for kerb
See all rhymes for kerb →Frequently asked questions
What does “kerb” mean?
The word “kerb” means the raised edge of a pavement or footpath where it meets the road (British spelling of "curb"). In plain terms, the stone or concrete edge between the pavement and the road.
How do you pronounce “kerb”?
“Kerb” is pronounced kurb (/kɝb/ in IPA).
How do you use “kerb” in a sentence?
Here is “kerb” used in a sentence: “He parked the car close to the kerb.”
What part of speech is “kerb”?
Depending on how it is used, “kerb” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “kerb” come from?
The word “kerb” comes from French. A British spelling variant of "curb", itself from French courber, "to bend or curve".
How many meanings does “kerb” have?
“Kerb” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the raised edge of a pavement or footpath where it meets the road (British spelling of "curb").
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