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.
had rubbed
-
past perfectof rub.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Despite my rebelliousness, my parents’ work ethic had rubbed off.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026
The artist behind the restoration, Bruno Valentinetti, told La Repubblica that he had rubbed out her face on Tuesday night following a request by the Vatican administration.
From Barron's ● Feb. 4, 2026
Sikkema was the founder of New York contemporary art gallery Sikkema Jenkins & Co and had rubbed shoulders with the likes of former First Lady Michelle Obama.
From BBC ● Jan. 18, 2024
First, the specimen looked different than it had in pictures from 2020: Part of it had rubbed off.
From New York Times ● Feb. 21, 2023
She had rubbed her nose against mine and poured her light on my face.
From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd
