Definition of CURFEW

curfew

Meanings

Plural: curfews

Noun

  • the time that the curfew signal is sounded
  • a signal (usually a bell) announcing the start of curfew restrictions
  • an order that after a specific time certain activities (as being outside on the streets) are prohibited
  • Any regulation requiring people to be off the streets and in their homes by a certain time.
  • The time when such restriction begins.
  • A signal indicating this time.
  • A fireplace accessory designed to bank a fire by completely covering the embers.
  • A regulation in feudal Europe by which fires had to be covered up or put out at a certain fixed time in the evening, marked by the ringing of an evening bell.
  • The evening bell, which continued to be rung in many towns after the regulation itself became obsolete.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English curfu, from Old French cuevre-fu (French couvre-feu), from the imperative of covrir (“to cover”) + fu (“fire”). Compare kerchief.

Scrabble Score: 14

curfew is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
curfew is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
curfew is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

curfew is a valid Words With Friends word