How to pronounce kerb
Say it like KURB. Kerb 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 kerb. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KURB
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kerb 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 kerb
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KURB.
What does kerb mean?
- Alternative spelling of curb.
- To damage vehicle wheels or tyres by running into or over a pavement kerb.
- To take a dog to the kerb for the purpose of evacuating their bowels.
Where does kerb come from?
From curb (“raised border or frame”) [from mid-17th c.].
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with kerb
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of kerb.
Words that sound like kerb
Questions about saying kerb
How do you pronounce kerb?
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 kerb?
Kerb is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: KURB.
Is kerb 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 kerb?
Kerb sounds the same as curb in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.