12-Foot
The 12-foot diameter circle outermost in the house. A stone completely outside this circle cannot score
4-Foot
The 4-foot diameter circle in the house. It surrounds the centre area called the button. It is used as a visual aid only - there is no extra score for placing a stone within it.
8-Foot
The 8-foot diameter circle in the house. It is used as a visual aid only - there is no extra score for placing a stone within it. The 8-foot circle is generally not actually painted - it appears as the empty space between the 12-foot and 4-foot rings.
Bonspiel
Scots for league match, this is the term used for a curling tournament.
Broom
An implement with which players sweep the ice to make a stone travel farther and curl less. Though brushes have completely replaced brooms, the traditional name remains.
Button
The center (bullseye) of the house.
Calling the Shot
When the skip holds the broom where he/she wants the person delivering the stones to aim. When the skip is delivering, the third calls the shot.
Clean
To brush the ice lightly in front of a moving rock to remove any debris and ensure a correct line; less vigorous than a sweep
Curling
A sport played on ice which involves sliding granite stones to the center of the house.
Guard
A rock that is placed in front of another rock to protect it from being knocked out by the other team, or placed with the intent to later curl another rock around it and thus be protected. Guards are typically placed between the hog line and the very front of the house
Gripper
A rubber or other material attached to a curling shoe to improve traction on the ice
Hack
Similar to a starting block in track and field, the foothold device where the person who throws the rock pushes off for delivery
Hard!
Command (along with "hurry") shouted by the skip to tell the sweepers to sweep harder and faster.
The three concentric circles where points are scored
Pebble
Small droplets of water intentionally sprayed on the ice that cause irregularities on the surface. Also a verb; the action of depositing water droplets on the ice. e.g. to pebble the ice between games.
Rock
The device thrown by curlers during the game. It is made of granite and has a standard weight of 19.6 kg (44 lb). Also called a stone
Slider
A piece of Teflon or similar material attached to a curling shoe that allows the player to slide along the ice.
Spiel
Scots for match, game or competition, this is the term used for a curling competition between members of the same club or community, for example parish spiel. Also used as an abbreviation for Bonspiel.
To brush the ice in front of a moving stone, which causes it to travel farther and curl less