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

See Examples For:

scuba

A member of the diving team that recovered the bodies of Italian scuba divers in the Maldives has said the equipment they were found with "was not optimal".

From BBC ● May 22, 2026

The bodies of four Italian divers who went missing during a scuba diving accident in the Maldives last week have been located, officials have confirmed to the BBC.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

Last December, an experienced British female diver drowned in a scuba incident off the island resort of Ellaidhoo.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

The boat crew searched with scuba gear, then called in Manguillier.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 24, 2026

We find a spot on a packed elevator next to a large group of boys in scuba gear.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston