rub
ruhb
Rub (verb) means to move something back and forth against a surface while pressing on it. Example: “He rubbed his eyes and yawned after the long journey.”
verb
1
To move something back and forth against a surface while pressing on it.
"He rubbed his eyes and yawned after the long journey."
"She rubbed her hands together to warm them up."
"He rubbed the stain with a damp cloth until it faded."
2
To spread a substance over a surface by pressing and moving it around.
"Rub some sun cream onto your shoulders before you go outside."
"She rubbed oil into the wooden table to make it shine."
"Rub the paste into the meat before grilling it."
noun
1
A mixture of spices and seasonings pressed onto meat before cooking.
"The chef made a rub of paprika, garlic and salt for the chicken."
"This herb rub works well on lamb as well as pork."
"He coated the ribs in a smoky dry rub before smoking them."
2
A difficulty or snag in a plan or situation.
"The only rub is that the hotel is a long way from the beach."
"Here's the rub: the cheaper flight leaves at four in the morning."
"The rub is that we don't have the budget to finish on time."
How to use rub
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo press and move something against a surface — or, as a noun, a seasoning blend, or the tricky part of a problem.
Common mistake
"There's the rub" (from Shakespeare) means "that's the problem/difficulty" — it doesn't refer to a physical rub at all.
Common pairings
rub your eyes
dry rub
the rub is that…
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rub.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- rubs
- Third person singular
- rubs
- Past tense
- rubbed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ some sun cream onto your shoulders before you go outside.
Etymology
From Middle English rubben, of uncertain origin, likely from a Germanic root related to scraping or rubbing.
Related words
Rhymes for rub
See all rhymes for rub →Frequently asked questions
What does “rub” mean?
The word “rub” means to move something back and forth against a surface while pressing on it. In plain terms, to press and move something against a surface — or, as a noun, a seasoning blend, or the tricky part of a problem.
How do you pronounce “rub”?
“Rub” is pronounced ruhb (/ɹʌb/ in IPA).
How do you use “rub” in a sentence?
Here is “rub” used in a sentence: “She rubbed her hands together to warm them up.”
What part of speech is “rub”?
Depending on how it is used, “rub” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “rub” come from?
The word “rub” comes from Middle English. From Middle English rubben, of uncertain origin, likely from a Germanic root related to scraping or rubbing.
Is “rub” a common word?
“Rub” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “rub” have?
“Rub” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move something back and forth against a surface while pressing on it.
What is the difference between rubbing and scrubbing?
Rubbing means moving something back and forth against a surface while pressing on it, often gently. Scrubbing is a harder, more vigorous form of rubbing, usually to clean something, and often uses a brush or rough cloth. Scrubbing implies more force and effort.
What is the difference between a dry rub and a marinade?
A dry rub is a mixture of spices and seasonings pressed onto meat before cooking, coating the surface. A marinade is a liquid that meat soaks in. A rub seasons and helps form a crust, while a marinade also adds moisture and can tenderize.
What is the difference between rub in and rub out?
"Rub in" means to work a substance into a surface by pressing and moving it, as in rubbing lotion into the skin. "Rub out" means to remove something by rubbing, such as erasing pencil marks. The particle changes the meaning entirely.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include rub:
