rubbing

American  

[ruhb-ing] / ˈrʌb ɪŋ /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of rubbing

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

Example Sentences

Fa had given them to him when he was seven, rubbing bearberry juice into the pierced skin.

From Literature

Around us people begin to move, a swirling eddy of bodies rubbing our shoulders, beckoning us to join in.

From Literature

Kylie Jenner kept rubbing and patting Chalamet’s hand while he nervously jiggled his right leg.

From Los Angeles Times

Meeting up with friends, rubbing fabric between their fingers and the overall vibe of wandering through a bustling shopping center are experiences they can’t get online.

From The Wall Street Journal

She had rolled up the sleeve of her parka and was rubbing a swollen arm.

From Literature

Related Words

• communication
• contact
• feeling
• taste