kerb

Everyday

1. The kerb is the raised edge of a pavement (sidewalk) where it meets the road. tree →
2. In American English it is spelled curb. tree →

In the lessons

In road safety lessons in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, the Green Cross Code says: find a safe place, stop at the kerb, look and listen both ways, and cross when it is clear; never step off the kerb without looking. Cars park along the kerb. Wheelchair users need dropped kerbs (low kerbs) to cross. Phrases: stop at the kerb, step off the kerb, dropped kerb, kerbside.

Examples

• Stop at the kerb and look both ways. tree →
• Don't step off the kerb without checking for cars. tree →
• The car parked next to the kerb. tree →
• She tripped on the kerb and grazed her knee. tree →
• Wheelchairs need dropped kerbs to cross the road. tree →
• Wait on the kerb until the green man shows. tree →
• The bins go out to the kerb on Monday nights. tree →
• Stand well back from the kerb when buses pass. tree →

Note

British/Irish/Australian spelling: kerb; American and Canadian: curb (which also means «to control or limit», like curb your anger). A sidewalk (US) is called a pavement or footpath elsewhere.