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.
rubbed
-
past participleof rub.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof rub.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
rubverb (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.
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.
His enthusiasm for transport more generally has already rubbed off on his co-presenters who say they've become "very educated by Francis on many things during long walks and long drives".
From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026
Outside the ward, staff used water to clean the floor, while others rubbed soot and grime off the walls.
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
The luck even rubbed off when Toscano and his colleagues bought a scratch card as a joke.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
It’s capable but doesn’t speak for the boss—who himself has no legislative experience and has of late rubbed lawmakers the wrong way.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026
She rubbed her fingers together, harder and faster until they were a blur, and flames sprang from them.
From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell
