How to pronounce curb
Say it like KURB. Curb is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce curb. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KURB
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Curb pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of curb
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KURB.
What does curb mean?
- an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
- a horse's bit with an attached chain or strap to check the horse
- a stock exchange in New York
- lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits“moderate your alcohol intake”“hold your tongue”
- keep to the curb“curb your dogs”
- place restrictions on“curtail drinking in school”
Where does curb come from?
From Middle French courbe (“curve, curved object”), from Latin curvus (“bent, crooked, curved”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with curb
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of curb.
Words that sound like curb
Questions about saying curb
How do you pronounce curb?
Say KURB. The American pronunciation is /kɝb/. In British English it is /kɜːb/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in curb?
Curb is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: KURB.
Is curb pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /kɜːb/ (KURB).
What words sound the same as curb?
Curb sounds the same as kerb in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.