cube
5 synonyms for cube, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A solid shape with six equal square faces.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A solid shape with six equal square faces.
“Drop one sugar cube into the tea and stir gently.”
2. verb
To multiply a number by itself twice (raise it to the third power).
“If you cube 3, you get 27.”
How to use cube
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
ice cube
cube root
office cube
Etymology
From Old French cube, from Latin cubus, from Greek kubos, originally meaning a die used in games.
Full origin of cube →Frequently asked questions
What does “cube” mean?
The word “cube” means a solid shape with six equal square faces. In plain terms, a six-sided box shape, or the math operation of multiplying a number by itself three times, or slang for a small office space.
How do you pronounce “cube”?
“Cube” is pronounced kyoob (/kjub/ in IPA).
How do you use “cube” in a sentence?
Here is “cube” used in a sentence: “She stacked ice cubes into a small tower.”
What is another word for “cube”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cube” include to cut into cubes.
What part of speech is “cube”?
Depending on how it is used, “cube” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cube” come from?
The word “cube” comes from Latin. From Old French cube, from Latin cubus, from Greek kubos, originally meaning a die used in games.
Is “cube” a common word?
“Cube” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “cube” have?
“Cube” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a solid shape with six equal square faces.
What is the difference between a cube and a square?
A square is a two-dimensional shape with four equal sides, while a cube is a three-dimensional solid shape with six equal square faces. Every face of a cube is a square, but a cube itself has volume and depth that a square does not.
What does it mean to 'cube' a number?
To cube a number means to multiply it by itself twice, or raise it to the third power, so cubing 3 gives 27. This mathematical sense of cube is distinct from the geometric sense of the solid shape.
What does it mean to cube food?
To cube food means to cut it into small cube-shaped pieces, such as cubing potatoes or meat before cooking. This is a common instruction in recipes calling for evenly sized pieces.
What does 'cube' mean in an office context?
In an office, a cube is an informal term for a cubicle, a small partitioned workspace. It is a casual shorthand rather than a formal term.
