scuba
Americannoun
-
a portable breathing device for free-swimming divers, consisting of a mouthpiece joined by hoses to one or two tanks of compressed air that are strapped on the back.
verb (used without object)
noun
Etymology
Origin of scuba
1950–55; s(elf )- c(ontained) u(nderwater) b(reathing) a(pparatus)
Explanation
A scuba is a portable breathing device for deep sea divers. With the help of a scuba tank, divers can explore very deep parts of the ocean. You can use scuba for the compressed air tank itself, or to describe the divers who use it — scuba divers. Most of these scuba divers use masks and wear rubber fins on their feet to propel themselves through the water. Scuba devices are useful for recreation and tasks like coast guard search and rescue operations or marine biology observations. Scuba is an acronym, standing for "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus."
Vocabulary lists containing scuba
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A thematic cousin, “Black Coral” by Mr. Stills, centers on how scuba diving becomes more spiritually rewarding the deeper you go.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
He soon began teaching scuba diving there and started the field-collecting that ultimately led to his career in African art.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026
At Island School in the Bahamas, students scuba dive to study marine biology and sustainability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
Lying on a sunbed, it can be easy to fantasise about quitting everything and retraining as a scuba diver instructor or yoga teacher, but Carr warns against a "knee-jerk reaction".
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
We find a spot on a packed elevator next to a large group of boys in scuba gear.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
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