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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

curb

/kɝb/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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What does curb mean?

noun

  1. A concrete margin along the edge of a road; a kerb (UK, Australia, New Zealand).
  2. A raised margin along the edge of something, such as a well or the eye of a dome, as a strengthening.
  3. (figuratively) Something that checks or restrains; a restraint.
More meanings (11)

noun

  1. A riding or driving bit for a horse that has rein action which amplifies the pressure in the mouth by leverage advantage placing pressure on the poll by means of the crown piece of the bridle and chin groove by means of a curb chain.
  2. A sidewalk, covered or partially enclosed, bordering the airport terminal road system with adjacent paved areas to permit vehicles to off-load or load passengers.
  3. A swelling on the back part of the hind leg of a horse, just behind the lowest part of the hock joint, generally causing lameness.

verb

  1. To check, restrain or control.
  2. To rein in.
  3. To furnish (a well etc.) with a curb; to restrain (a bank of earth, etc.) by a curb.
  4. (slang) Ellipsis of curb stomp.
  5. To bring to a stop beside a curb.
  6. To damage vehicle wheels or tires by running into or over a pavement curb.
  7. To bend or curve.
  8. To crouch; to cringe.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/kɝb/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

Choose lots level with the curb and on high ground, lest the expense of grading and sewering eat up your profit.
Bolton HallThree Acres and LibertyProject Gutenberg ebook #4509
If he be none of mine, my sanctity Will to my sense bend no licentious ear, But curb it, spite of seeing.
William ShakespeareThe Complete Works of William ShakespeareProject Gutenberg ebook #100
More book examples (3)
‘Tis sufficient for a man to curb and moderate his inclinations, for totally to suppress them is not in him to do.
Michel de MontaigneEssays of Michel de Montaigne — CompleteTranslated by Charles CottonProject Gutenberg ebook #3600
Without waiting for the cab to draw up to the curb, Nayland Smith recklessly leaped out and I followed close at his heels.
Sax RohmerThe Insidious Dr. Fu ManchuProject Gutenberg ebook #173
In examining the hock for curb it is necessary to stand to the side and note the profile of the posterior border.
Robert Alexander CraigCommon Diseases of Farm AnimalsProject Gutenberg ebook #8502