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curb

noun
\ ˈkərb How to pronounce curb (audio) \

Definition of curb

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a bit that exerts severe pressure on a horse's jaws also : the chain or strap attached to it — see bit illustration
2 : an enclosing frame, border, or edging
3 : check, restraint a price curb government policies that are designed to put a curb on spending
4 : a raised edge or margin to strengthen or confine
5 : an edging (as of concrete) built along a street to form part of a gutter They sat on the curb eating their ice cream.
6 [ from the fact that it originally transacted its business on the street ] : a market for trading in securities not listed on a stock exchange

curb

verb
curbed; curbing; curbs

Definition of curb (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to furnish with a curb
2 : to check or control with or as if with a curb trying to curb her curiosity
3 : to lead (a dog) to a suitable place (such as a gutter) for defecation
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about curb

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Choose the Right Synonym for curb

Verb

restrain, check, curb, bridle mean to hold back from or control in doing something. restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes. restrained themselves from laughing check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus. trying to check government spending curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking. learn to curb your appetite bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in. bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Examples of curb in a Sentence

Noun

 We sat on the curb eating our ice cream. these international regulations act as a curb on the plundering of a nation's archaeological treasures
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Safety improvements include modifying sidewalks and extending the curb to increase pedestrian visibility, and shortening the length of crosswalks. — Deanna Weniger, Twin Cities, "Dakota County’s Southview Boulevard project wins international award," 31 Aug. 2019 Doormen stared into space as crowded buses hissed along the curbs. — Megan K. Stack, The New Yorker, "Bravery and Nihilism Amid the Protests in Hong Kong," 31 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of curb

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for curb

Noun

Middle French courbe curve, curved piece of wood or iron, from courbe curved, from Latin curvus

Verb

derivative of curb entry 1

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More Definitions for curb

curb

noun

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