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

Once infected, the flea spreads the disease to humans when flea feces is rubbed into cuts or scrapes on the skin or the eyes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

A friend convinced him to head to hospital where concerned emergency ward staff put him on oxygen - but the penny dropped when a medic rubbed his arm with a swab that turned blue.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

We all loved the pork ribs, rubbed with cafecito, smoked to perfection, and finished with a sticky oro negro barbecue sauce.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

As soon as Opal fell asleep, the miller snorted awake, rubbed his eyes, and grinned at all the gold.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff