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

The highly enriched uranium is likely contained in 40 to 50 special cylinders that resemble scuba tanks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

In his post about his gap year and his scuba diving plans, Brittin also wrote that he loves to "learn and try new things".

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

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

These were mostly my mom’s books, but Dad opened them every once in a while to learn about the things he dredged up while scuba diving.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen