cub

[ kuhb ]

/ kʌb /

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See synonyms for cub on Thesaurus.com

noun

the young of certain animals, as the bear, lion, or tiger.

a young shark.

a young and inexperienced person, especially a callow youth or young man.

a young person serving as an apprentice.

cub reporter.

cub scout.

(initial capital letter)Aeronautics, Trademark. any small, light monoplane with a high wing, a single engine, and an enclosed cabin.

verb (used without object), cubbed, cub·bing.

to work as a cub reporter.

(of a female bear, lion, tiger, etc.) to give birth to a cub or cubs.

to hunt fox cubs.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of cub

First recorded in 1520–30; perhaps from Scandinavian; compare Old Norse kobbi “young seal,” kubbr “stump,” hence, “short, thick-set person”

OTHER WORDS FROM cub

cubbish, adjective

Other definitions for cub (2 of 2)

cub.

abbreviation

cubic.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cub in a sentence

Straight people have discovered, and co-opted, the gay “bear” and “cub.”
How Straight World Stole ‘Gay’: The Last Gasp of the ‘Lumbersexual’|Tim Teeman|November 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The end is here, but for cub detective Henry Palace, there is still one more case to solve—that of his missing sister.
What Would You Do if the World Was Over?|William O’Connor|August 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Lewis waves at Tony Orion, a nominee up for Best Bear/Cub whose biceps have stretched his black mesh jersey to a shine.
And The Escort of The Year Is… Backstage at The Sex Oscars|Scott Bixby|March 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Toronto Zoo polar bear cub has been a fixture of this video blog since he first graced the world with his adorable presence.
Adele Dazeem Sings, RT Anchor Quits, and More Viral Videos|The Daily Beast Video|March 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST

From Adele Dazeem to the cutest polar bear cub in the world, take a look at this week's best viral videos.
Adele Dazeem Sings, RT Anchor Quits, and More Viral Videos|The Daily Beast Video|March 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
His lordship would not intervene; he swore he hoped the cub would be flayed alive by Wilding.
Mistress Wilding|Rafael Sabatini
The woman distrusts me and she has sent for this insolent cub lawyer—Washburn, his name is.
The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle|Laura Lee Hope
The boys noticed that one of the cubs was dark brown like the mother, while the other was a cinnamon cub.
Gold-Seeking on the Dalton Trail|Arthur R. Thompson
I say, you young cub down there,” shouted the skipper to him from the hatchway, “come up and swab this deck.
Eric, or Little by Little|Frederic W. Farrar
The next moment a savage roar sounded close at hand, and he saw the mother bear running toward the wounded cub.
Three Sioux Scouts|Elmer Russell Gregor

British Dictionary definitions for cub (1 of 2)

cub

/ (kʌb) /

noun

the young of certain animals, such as the lion, bear, etc

a young or inexperienced person

verb cubs, cubbing or cubbed

to give birth to (cubs)

Derived forms of cub

cubbish, adjectivecubbishly, adverb

Word Origin for cub

C16: perhaps from Old Norse kubbi young seal; see cob 1

British Dictionary definitions for cub (2 of 2)

Cub

/ (kʌb) /

noun

short for Cub Scout

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

cub

Origin of cub

OTHER WORDS FROM cub

Other definitions for cub (2 of 2)

Words related to cub

How to use cub in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for cub (1 of 2)

Derived forms of cub

Word Origin for cub

British Dictionary definitions for cub (2 of 2)