Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

curse

/kɝs/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.07 in modern English

Syllables
curse
IPA
/kɝs/
7
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
1
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A prayer or imprecation that harm may befall someone.

noun

The cause of great harm, evil, or misfortune; that which brings evil or severe affliction; torment.

noun

A vulgar epithet.

noun

A woman's menses.

Dated; Derogatory; Slang

verb

To place a curse upon (a person or object).

Transitive verb

verb

To speak or shout a vulgar curse or epithet.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle English curse, kors, cors, curs, from Old English cors, curs (“curse”), of unknown origin.

Origin

Word Breakdown

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /kɝs/
  • British English: /kɜːs/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Synonyms

Antonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce curse?
The recorded pronunciation is /kɝs/.
What does curse mean?
A supernatural detriment or hindrance; a bane.
Where does curse come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce curse

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “curse”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/kɝs/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “curse”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “curse” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.