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Kerb Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kerb

[kɜːb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

road

A stone edging to a pavement or raised path.

Synonyms

curb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kerb

Primarily used in British English to refer to the edge where a pavement (sidewalk) meets the road.

  • She tripped over the kerb and twisted her ankle.
  • The new kerb markings have made it safer for pedestrians.
curb

Used in American English both as a noun (similar to the British 'kerb') and as a verb meaning to restrain or control something.

  • The car jumped the curb and hit a tree.
  • He needs to curb his spending habits.

Examples of usage

  • The kerb is painted yellow to indicate no parking.
  • She tripped and fell off the kerb.
  • We sat on the kerb waiting for the bus.
Context #2 | Noun

British English

The edge of the raised pavement at the side of a road.

Synonyms

curb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kerb

Primarily used in British English to refer to the edge of a pavement where it meets the road.

  • He tripped over the kerb while walking.
  • The car was parked close to the kerb.
curb

Common in American English, this word also refers to the edge of the pavement. Additionally, 'curb' can mean to restrain or control something.

  • She had to step up on the curb to cross the street.
  • He needs to curb his spending habits.

Examples of usage

  • He stepped off the kerb without looking.
  • The children played ball near the kerb.
  • The dog ran along the kerb chasing a cat.
Context #3 | Verb

British English

To put a kerb or curb on (a street or pavement).

Synonyms

curb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kerb

This word is commonly used in British English to refer to the edge of a sidewalk or road.

  • Be careful when stepping off the kerb.
  • The new bicycle lane is separated from the road by a raised kerb.
curb

This word is used in American English to mean the edge of a sidewalk or road. It can also mean to restrain or control something.

  • Please park your car close to the curb.
  • He tried to curb his excitement during the meeting.
  • The government is implementing new measures to curb inflation.

Examples of usage

  • The council decided to kerb the street for safety reasons.
  • They kerbed the sidewalk to prevent cars from parking there.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Urban Planning

  • Kerbs play a critical role in guiding drainage and preventing water from pooling on sidewalks.
  • They are essential in defining pedestrian areas, enhancing safety by clearly separating pedestrians from vehicles.
  • Kerbs can also be designed to accommodate street furniture and landscaping, adding to urban aesthetics.

Environmental Science

  • Green kerbs, which incorporate vegetation and permeable materials, help filter pollutants from stormwater runoff.
  • The design of kerbs can influence biodiversity by providing habitats for small plants and insects in urban settings.
  • Incorporating biodegradable materials for kerb construction can reduce the environmental impact of urban development.

Cultural Significance

  • Kerbs feature prominently in graffiti culture, often providing a canvas for street art in urban areas.
  • In some cities, kerbs may represent cultural or historical influences, contributing to the local identity.
  • Dance and performance art sometimes utilize kerbs as improvisational stages for street performances.

Safety Regulations

  • There are specific height and angle regulations for kerbs to ensure safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.
  • In some areas, tactile paving is added to kerbs to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating urban spaces.
  • Kerbs are often used to designate bus stops, indicating where public transportation should safely stop and pick up passengers.

Origin of 'kerb'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'kerb' comes from the Middle English 'kerbe,' meaning to cut or edge.
  • It is derived from the Old French word 'curbe', which means 'curved', referencing its rounded shape along roads.
  • In British English, 'kerb' refers specifically to the edge, while in American English, 'curb' is used.

The word 'kerb' originated from Middle English 'curb', which came from Old North French 'curb', meaning 'strap, curb on a horse'. The spelling 'kerb' is primarily used in British English, while 'curb' is more common in American English. The concept of using kerbs for road edges dates back to ancient times when stones were placed along the sides of roads to guide chariots and prevent them from veering off course.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,168, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.