Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

curb cut

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.77 in modern English

Syllables: cur-b -cut
IPA

13

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

3

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A small ramp cut into a curb to allow wheelchairs, baby carriages, bicycles, etc. to more easily enter or leave a sidewalk.

American usage

noun

A lowered area of curb to allow vehicles to access driveways or approaches, a drop kerb.

Example Sentences

"Although currently mandated by accessibility related laws, curb cuts benefit not only wheelchair users, but also mothers with baby carriages, older adults with canes, and small children who have not learned to climb steps yet."
"Curb cuts or beginning of approaches shall not be nearer the intersection than the extension of the property line between 20 ft and 12 ft controls."

Etymology

From curb + cut. Attested since the 1920s in the “vehicle access” sense.

Usage

American usage

Inflected Forms

curb cuts (plural)

Phrases

curb cut effect

Synonyms

curb ramp dropped kerb kerb ramp pram ramp

Questions

What does curb cut mean?: A small ramp cut into a curb to allow wheelchairs, baby carriages, bicycles, etc. to more easily enter or leave a sidewalk.
Where does curb cut come from?: From curb + cut. Attested since the 1920s in the “vehicle access” sense.

How to pronounce curb cut

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