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.
is rubbing
-
present progressiveof rub (3rd person singular).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.
Twelve months on, the 24-year-old is rubbing shoulders with the elite at Flushing Meadows, thanks to the stunning run to the Wimbledon semi-finals which has likely changed his life forever.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026
His boorishness is rubbing off on the people who work for him.
From Salon ● Nov. 27, 2023
“Even if you just get to say, ‘Oh, my daughter went to see Taylor Swift,’ some of Taylor’s celebrity is rubbing off on you.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2023
The idea of pairing a lighthearted fantasy about an American doll with one of the grimmest moments in Japanese history is rubbing many the wrong way.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 1, 2023
When I’m done, I’m calmer, but Max is rubbing his head so hard I’m afraid he’s going to lose hair.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
