rub
verb (used with object)
to subject the surface of (a thing or person) to pressure and friction, as in cleaning, smoothing, polishing, coating, massaging, or soothing.
was rubbing
-
past progressiveof rub.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One recent 75-degree afternoon, sitting on the front stoop of the rowhouse where she lives with her dad, Burton was rubbing her hands together vigorously, as if it were cold out.
From Salon ● Apr. 29, 2026
Smith was rubbing shoulders with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and the poet William Burroughs.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2025
McNown also disputed the notion that he was rubbing it in, saying teams played hard to the end of games back then.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 16, 2023
Ms. Ervin was rubbing the back of Dushawn Blakely, Ms. Cooper’s partner and the father of her children, while holding Ms. Cooper’s leg.
From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2023
Then, one night while Mama was rubbing shea butter mixed with hot pepper into Papa’s swollen joints, I overheard a conversation between them, and understood.
From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince
