Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stone or concrete edging along a street or path: A "kerb" is the raised edge, typically made of stone or concrete, that forms the boundary between a pavement (sidewalk) and a roadway. Its primary function is to provide a physical demarcation and safety barrier.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Be careful not to trip on the kerb when stepping off the road.
  • The city is replacing the broken kerbstones along the high street.
  • She parked the car with its wheels against the kerb.

Advanced Usage

• "To mount the kerb": This phrase describes a vehicle accidentally or deliberately driving onto the pavement/sidewalk.
  • The driver lost control and mounted the kerb, narrowly missing pedestrians.

Variants and Related Words

• Kerbstone (n): An individual stone or block forming part of a kerb.
  • The old granite kerbstones were worn smooth by time.
• Curb (n): The American English spelling of "kerb". Note: In American English, "curb" can also mean a restraint or check (e.g., "curb your enthusiasm"), which is a different meaning.
  • (UK) Wait at the kerb before crossing.
  • (US) Wait at the curb before crossing.

Synonyms

• Edge: The boundary or outer part of something.
• Border: A side or edge.
• Curb (US variant): The American English equivalent for the physical edge of a road.

Related Phrases

• Kerb appeal (n): (Chiefly British) The attractiveness of a house or property as viewed from the street, especially as influencing its market value. This is a compound term.
  • They repainted the front door to improve the house's kerb appeal.
• Kerb crawling (n): (Chiefly British) The illegal act of driving slowly along a street, typically to solicit a prostitute.
  • The police arrested the man for kerb crawling.

Notes on Usage

• The spelling "kerb" is standard in British English and other Commonwealth varieties (e.g., Australian English) when referring to the stone edge of a pavement.
• The spelling "curb" is standard in American English for this meaning. Be aware that "curb" has the additional, more common meaning of "to restrain or keep in check".

Noun

1. an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)