Pavement vs. Curb — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 25, 2023
Pavement is the hard surface of roads or sidewalks, while Curb is the raised edge bordering a street or path, often to control water flow.
Difference Between Pavement and Curb
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pavement and Curb are essential components of urban infrastructure, each serving unique roles. Pavement, essentially, refers to the hard surface on which people walk or vehicles move. This could be made of concrete, asphalt, or other materials. On the other hand, a Curb is the raised edge or border that flanks the sides of roads, sidewalks, or pathways.
In cities and towns, the Pavement provides a smooth and durable surface for pedestrians and vehicles. Without adequate pavement, cities would grapple with muddy or uneven paths. The Curb serves several functions, one of which is to demarcate the boundary between the road and the sidewalk. This distinction aids in traffic regulation and ensures pedestrian safety.
From a drainage perspective, Pavement is typically designed to allow rainwater to flow to its edges. The Curb then acts as a channel, directing this runoff to designated drainage points, preventing flooding and waterlogging. Additionally, while the main goal of Pavement is to provide a stable surface, Curbs can be decorative, adding to the aesthetic appeal of a street.
When considering accessibility, especially for the differently-abled, Pavement must be level and obstruction-free. Curbs, meanwhile, should have ramps or curb cuts to ensure easy access for wheelchairs or strollers. In summary, while both Pavement and Curb relate to urban pathways, Pavement is the main walking or driving surface, and the Curb is the defining edge that also aids in drainage.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Hard surface of roads or sidewalks.
Raised edge bordering a street or path.
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Function
Provides a surface for walking or driving.
Demarcates road boundary and aids in drainage.
Material
Made of concrete, asphalt, or other materials.
Typically made of concrete, stone, or metal.
Grammatical Role
Noun
Noun, Verb (as in "to curb")
Example Usage
"The city decided to redo the pavement on Main Street."
"The car was parked right next to the curb."
Compare with Definitions
Pavement
A hard surface covering roads or sidewalks.
Children played hopscotch on the pavement.
Curb
A raised edge bordering a street or path.
She accidentally tripped over the curb.
Pavement
The exterior walkway beside a building.
The café had chairs on the pavement for patrons.
Curb
A check or restraint on something.
The new laws were introduced to curb pollution.
Pavement
A paved outdoor area.
The house featured a large pavement patio.
Curb
The framework or border of a piece of jewelry.
The gem was set within a gold curb.
Pavement
The material used to pave a road or walkway.
The fresh pavement made the road smoother.
Curb
A curb (North American English), or kerb (Commonwealth English except Canada; see spelling differences), is the edge where a raised sidewalk or road median/central reservation meets a street or other roadway.
Pavement
A hard smooth surface, especially of a public area or thoroughfare, that will bear travel.
Curb
A check or restraint on something
Plans to introduce tougher curbs on insider dealing
Pavement
The material with which such a surface is made.
Curb
A type of bit with a strap or chain attached which passes under a horse's lower jaw, used as a check.
Pavement
Chiefly British A sidewalk.
Curb
Variant spelling of kerb
Pavement
A paved surface; a hard covering on the ground.
Curb
A swelling on the back of a horse's hock, caused by spraining a ligament.
Pavement
A paved path, for the use of pedestrians, located at the side of a road.
Curb
Restrain or keep in check
She promised she would curb her temper
Pavement
A paving (paved part) of a road or other thoroughfare; the roadway or road surface.
Curb
Lead (a dog being walked) near the curb to urinate or defecate, in order to avoid soiling buildings, pavements, etc.
Pavement
The paved part of an area other than a road or sidewalk, such as a cobblestone plaza, asphalt schoolyard or playground, or parking lot.
Curb
A concrete border or row of joined stones forming part of a gutter along the edge of a street.
Pavement
(architecture) The interior flooring of a church sanctuary, between the communion rail and the altar.
Curb
An enclosing framework, such as that around a skylight.
Pavement
That with which anything is paved; a floor or covering of solid material, laid so as to make a hard and convenient surface for travel; a paved road or sidewalk; a decorative interior floor of tiles or colored bricks.
The riches of heaven's pavement, trodden gold.
Curb
A raised margin along an edge used to confine or strengthen.
Pavement
To furnish with a pavement; to pave.
Curb
Something that checks or restrains
High interest rates put a curb on spending.
Pavement
The paved surface of a thoroughfare
Curb
A chain or strap that passes under a horse's lower jaw and serves in conjunction with the bit to restrain the horse.
Pavement
Material used to pave an area
Curb
A market, originally on a street or sidewalk, for trading securities that are not listed on a stock exchange.
Pavement
Walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway
Curb
To check, restrain, or control (an impulse or activity, for example); rein in.
Pavement
The paved runway of an airport.
The plane taxied on the pavement to the terminal.
Curb
To prevent (a person or group) from doing something or acting in a certain way.
Curb
To lead (a dog) off the sidewalk into the gutter so that it can excrete waste.
Curb
To furnish with a curb.
Curb
A concrete margin along the edge of a road; a kerb (UK, Australia, New Zealand)
Curb
A raised margin along the edge of something, such as a well or the eye of a dome, as a strengthening.
Curb
Something that checks or restrains; a restraint.
Curb
A riding or driving bit for a horse that has rein action which amplifies the pressure in the mouth by leverage advantage placing pressure on the poll via the crown piece of the bridle and chin groove via a curb chain.
Curb
(North America) A sidewalk, covered or partially enclosed, bordering the airport terminal road system with adjacent paved areas to permit vehicles to off-load or load passengers.
Curb
A swelling on the back part of the hind leg of a horse, just behind the lowest part of the hock joint, generally causing lameness.
Curb
(transitive) To check, restrain or control.
Curb your dog
Curb
(transitive) To rein in.
Curb
(transitive) To furnish with a curb, as a well; to restrain by a curb, as a bank of earth.
Curb
Ellipsis of curb stomp
Curb
(transitive) To bring to a stop beside a curb.
Curb
(transitive) To damage vehicle wheels or tires by running into or over a pavement curb.
Curb
(transitive) To bend or curve.
Curb
(intransitive) To crouch; to cringe.
Curb
To bend or curve.
Crooked and curbed lines.
Curb
To guide and manage, or restrain, as with a curb; to bend to one's will; to subject; to subdue; to restrain; to confine; to keep in check.
Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed.
Where pinching want must curb thy warm desires.
Curb
To furnish with a curb, as a well; also, to restrain by a curb, as a bank of earth.
Curb
To bend; to crouch; to cringe.
Virtue itself of vice must pardon beg,Yea, curb and woo for leave to do him good.
Curb
That which curbs, restrains, or subdues; a check or hindrance; esp., a chain or strap attached to the upper part of the branches of a bit, and capable of being drawn tightly against the lower jaw of the horse.
He that before ran in the pastures wildFelt the stiff curb control his angry jaws.
By these men, religion,that should beThe curb, is made the spur of tyranny.
Curb
An assemblage of three or more pieces of timber, or a metal member, forming a frame around an opening, and serving to maintain the integrity of that opening; also, a ring of stone serving a similar purpose, as at the eye of a dome.
Curb
A frame or wall round the mouth of a well; also, a frame within a well to prevent the earth caving in.
Curb
A curbstone.
Curb
A swelling on the back part of the hind leg of a horse, just behind the lowest part of the hock joint, generally causing lameness.
Curb
An edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
Curb
A horse's bit with an attached chain or strap to check the horse
Curb
A stock exchange in New York
Curb
The act of restraining power or action or limiting excess;
His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
Curb
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
Curb
To put down by force or authority;
Suppress a nascent uprising
Stamp down on littering
Conquer one's desires
Curb
Keep to the curb;
Curb your dogs
Curb
Place restrictions on;
Curtail drinking in school
Curb
A chain or strap for controlling a horse.
The horse responded to the gentle pull on the curb.
Curb
To control or limit.
The government aims to curb inflation.
Common Curiosities
Why are Curbs essential beside roads?
Curbs help demarcate road boundaries, ensure pedestrian safety, and aid in drainage.
Can "Pavement" refer to airport runways?
Yes, the term "pavement" can refer to the paved surfaces at airports.
What's the primary purpose of Pavement?
Pavement provides a durable surface for walking or driving in urban areas.
Does Pavement always imply an urban setting?
While commonly associated with cities, Pavement can exist in rural areas, like paved country roads.
Are Curbs always made of concrete?
No, Curbs can also be made of stone, metal, or other durable materials.
What's a "curb cut"?
A curb cut is a ramp in the Curb, allowing for easier wheelchair or stroller access.
Can "Curb" be used as a verb?
Yes, "curb" as a verb means to restrain or control, as in "curb your enthusiasm."
How does Pavement aid in road safety?
Pavement provides a consistent, skid-resistant surface for vehicles, reducing accidents.
How is Pavement made?
Pavement is usually made by compacting layers of material like asphalt or concrete.
Are Curbs necessary for all roads?
Not all roads require Curbs, but they're beneficial in urban settings for safety and drainage.
How are Pavement and drainage related?
Proper Pavement design ensures rainwater flows to edges, where Curbs direct it to drains.
Can both Pavement and Curb be decorative?
Yes, both can be designed for aesthetic appeal, using patterns, colors, or decorative stones.
What maintenance does Pavement need?
Pavement may require sealing, crack filling, or resurfacing to extend its lifespan.
What are "curb appeal" and its significance?
"Curb appeal" refers to the attractiveness of a property from the street, influencing property value.
How do Curbs impact pedestrian safety?
Curbs delineate walkways from roads, guiding pedestrians and protecting them from vehicles.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
