Pronunciation: [kˈɜːlɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "curling" is spelled with a "u" and not an "i" despite it being pronounced with a short "i" sound. This is because the word's origin is Old English, where the vowel sound was represented by the letter "u". The IPA phonetic transcription for "curling" is /ˈkɜrlɪŋ/, where the symbol "ɜ" represents the "er" sound as in "herd". So, even though the spelling may seem odd, it is actually true to the word's roots.
Curling is a sport played on ice, where two teams of four players each take turns sliding heavy granite stones across a rectangular sheet of ice towards a target at the other end called the "house". The objective of the game is to score points by getting the stones as close as possible to the center of the target or by strategically knocking the opponent's stones away.
The players on each team take turns delivering the stones, which are round and flat with a handle on top for gripping and throwing. As the stone glides across the ice, team members use brooms to sweep the ice in front of it, which heats the ice and reduces friction, enabling the stone to curl or deviate from a straight line. Curling stones tend to move in an arc-like manner, hence the name of the sport.
The sport of curling requires a combination of precision, strategy, and teamwork. Skilled players need to have a deep understanding of the ice conditions and be able to adjust their strategy accordingly.
Curling originated in Scotland and has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in countries such as Canada, where it is recognized as a national sport. It is played at both recreational and competitive levels, with international competitions, including the Winter Olympics, showcasing the highest level of play in the sport.
In Scot., a winter outdoor game played with smooth stones on the ice.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "curling" has its origins in Scotland, where the sport was first played in the 16th century. The term is derived from the Middle Dutch word "kruiseling", meaning "crosswise", which refers to the characteristic sliding motion of the curling stone across the ice. Over time, "kruiseling" transformed into "curling", reflecting the twisting or curving motion of the stone as it is delivered and the way it interacts with the ice.
