rubbing

[ruhb-ing]

noun

1. an act or action of a person or thing that rubs.

2. an impression of an incised or sculptured surface made by laying paper over it and rubbing with heelball, graphite, or a similar substance until the image appears.

rubbing

/ ˈrʌbɪŋ /

noun

1. an impression taken of an incised or raised surface, such as a brass plate on a tomb, by laying paper over it and rubbing with wax, graphite, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of rubbing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; rub, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Smith was rubbing shoulders with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and the poet William Burroughs.

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Bonds later testified that he had been administered steroids unwittingly by Anderson, believing they had been flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm.

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“We just need to find a place where we can work in private,” said Jad, rubbing his chin.

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The image of him standing with his arms aloft on the touchline is a throwback to a different time, but there were glimmers in a convincing win that O'Neill's magic touch is already rubbing off.

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In Saudi, Frank found himself rubbing shoulders with other boxing legends.

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Related Words

• communication 
• contact 
• feeling 
• taste