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.
have been rubbing
-
present perfect progressiveof rub.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
The Swiss Valais Blacknose have been rubbing themselves against the red feeder while eating, turning heads at Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley.
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2022
The residents of Wrexham have been rubbing their eyes in disbelief for a while.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 10, 2021
Kidman is just one of several Hollywood A-listers Madison and Sydney have been rubbing shoulders with while in Toronto.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2017
She arrives on foot, alone, long, black dress, no make-up, flat sandals, sore ankles from where high heels have been rubbing.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 11, 2010
I could smell permanent marker and something that might have been rubbing alcohol, but no one was bleeding or crying.
From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken
