Rub

/ɹʌb/ · noun

Meaning

An act of rubbing..

Definitions by Sense

1. An act of rubbing.
2. A difficulty or problem.
3. (archaic) A quip or sarcastic remark.
4. In the game of crown green bowls, any obstacle by which a bowl is diverted from its normal course.
5. Any substance designed to be applied by rubbing.
6. (UK, naval slang) A loan.
7. (transitive) To move (one object) while maintaining contact with another object over some area, with pressure and friction.
8. (intransitive) To be rubbed against something.

Example Sentences

Give that lamp a good rub and see if any genies come out.

To die, to sleep— / To sleep—perchance to dream. Ay, there's the rub! / For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, / When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, / Must give us pause

[…] the propriety of the cabman's shelter, as it was called, hardly a stonesthrow away near Butt bridge where they might hit upon some drinkables in the shape of a milk and soda or a mineral. But how to get there was the rub.

'My dear Devereux, I say, you mustn't talk in that wild way. You—you talk like a ruined man!' 'And I so comfortable!' 'Why, to be sure, Dick, you have had some little rubs, and, maybe, your follies and your vexations; but, hang it, you are young; you can't get experience—at least, so I've found it—without paying for it. […]'

a heat rub intended for muscular strains

I rubbed the cloth over the glass.

The cat rubbed itself against my leg.

I rubbed my hands together for warmth.

Synonyms for rub

Antonyms for rub

Related Words

Word Forms

• rubs
• rubbing
• rubbed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions