scuba

American  

[skoo-buh] / ˈsku bə /

noun

1. a portable breathing device for free-swimming divers, consisting of a mouthpiece joined by hoses to one or two tanks of compressed air that are strapped on the back.

2. scuba diving.

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verb (used without object)

scubaed, scubaing

1. scuba-dive.

scuba British  

/ ˈskjuːbə /

noun

1. 1. an apparatus used in skindiving, consisting of a cylinder or cylinders containing compressed air attached to a breathing apparatus

   2. ( as modifier )

      scuba diving

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Etymology

Origin of scuba

1950–55; s(elf )- c(ontained) u(nderwater) b(reathing) a(pparatus)

Explanation

A scuba is a portable breathing device for deep sea divers. With the help of a scuba tank, divers can explore very deep parts of the ocean. You can use scuba for the compressed air tank itself, or to describe the divers who use it — scuba divers. Most of these scuba divers use masks and wear rubber fins on their feet to propel themselves through the water. Scuba devices are useful for recreation and tasks like coast guard search and rescue operations or marine biology observations. Scuba is an acronym, standing for "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus."

Example Sentences

Sink down to the depths of the ocean in the Caribbean, where scuba divers can explore alongside a Sandals Resort marine biologist to hunt pesky, invasive lionfish.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

As for Gulf countries, they do have demining scuba divers, the former navy officer said.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Casino Point — the region where Alvarez was diving — is a popular location for scuba diving enthusiasts.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

"I scuba dive quite regularly, and I know what seals are like," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2026

“We’ll get someone with scuba gear to go down there on a treasure dive,” quipped Goddard.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman