curb

1 of 2

noun

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

curb

2 of 2

verb

curbed; curbing; curbs

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
Choose the Right Synonym for curb

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 Verb The legislation is intended to curb price and wage increases. pills designed to curb your appetite
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Trash and recycling cans: Placing cans at the curb for pickup during the winter exposes them to harsh elements. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024 However, analysts have warned that the overall package proposed by Trump, including higher tariffs and curbs on immigration, would place upward pressure on inflation, even if some of the impact could be absorbed in the near-term. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
Between the lines: Certain regulatory hurdles that curb homebuilding are easier tackled in city halls and state legislatures than from the White House. Sami Sparber, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 Opposition leaders see Moscow's hand behind GD's legislative agenda, particularly its 2023 and 2024 efforts to introduce legislation to curb foreign funding of media and civil society groups. David Brennan, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for curb 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Verb

derivative of curb entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of curb was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near curb

Cite this Entry

“Curb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curb. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

curb

1 of 2 noun
1
: a chain or strap on a horse's bit used to control the horse by pressing against the lower jaw
2
: check entry 1 sense 3
price curbs
3
: an enclosing border (as of stone or concrete) often along the edge of a street

curb

2 of 2 verb
1
: to control by or furnish with or as if with a curb
legislation to curb price and wage increases
curb your appetite
2
: to lead (a dog) to a suitable place (as a gutter) for defecation

Medical Definition

curb

noun
: a swelling on the back of the hind leg of a horse just behind the lowest part of the hock joint that is due to strain or rupture of the ligament and generally causes lameness

More from Merriam-Webster on curb

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