rub
verb (used with object)
to subject the surface of (a thing or person) to pressure and friction, as in cleaning, smoothing, polishing, coating, massaging, or soothing.
are rubbing
-
present progressiveof rub.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
President Donald Trump’s latest financial disclosures, released Tuesday by the U.S. government, are rubbing salt in their wounds.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
Dental supply companies, investors in which are rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of more demand for their products.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 22, 2024
Fans are rubbing elbows with their favorite players to get those coveted autographs.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 16, 2022
At a special Bafta event to celebrate 30 years of This Morning, figures from the show's past and present are rubbing shoulders.
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2018
“Cara! Is that kind? A tiger, after what happened? Might it not seem to Marcus that you are rubbing his nose in his humiliation?”
From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks
