Kerb: meaning, definitions and examples

🚧

Add to dictionary

kerb

[kɜːb ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

road

A stone edging to a pavement or raised path.

Synonyms

curb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "kerb" in other languages:

🇵🇹 meio-fio

🇮🇳 फुटपाथ

🇩🇪 Bordstein

🇮🇩 tepi trotoar

🇺🇦 бордюр

🇵🇱 krawężnik

🇯🇵 縁石（えんせき）

🇫🇷 bordure

🇪🇸 bordillo

🇹🇷 kaldırım taşı

🇰🇷 연석

🇸🇦 رصيف الشارع

🇨🇿 obrubník

🇸🇰 obrubník

🇨🇳 路缘石

🇸🇮 robnjak

🇮🇸 gangstéttarbrún

🇰🇿 бордюр

🇬🇪 ბორდიური

🇦🇿 bordür

🇲🇽 borde

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.

...
28165 deface
28166 uninspired
28167 lumbered
28168 kerb
28169 ambiguously
28170 tetrahedra
28171 untitled
...