Meaning & Definition of Rubbing in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The act of taking a rubbing from a surface, especially to record or collect an impression or texture.

  Example Sentence: The artist took a rubbing of the engraved stone to capture its details.

• Definition: The action of applying pressure and friction to another object, typically for cleaning or polishing purposes.

  Example Sentence: She was rubbing the stain on the fabric with a damp cloth.

• Definition: An instance of rubbing a part of the body, often for comfort or relief.

  Example Sentence: He felt sore from the workout, so he started rubbing his legs to alleviate the pain.

• Definition: A method of transferring a design by rubbing a medium over a surface.

  Example Sentence: The rubbing technique allowed her to showcase the intricate patterns of the leaves.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English rubbinge, from the verb rubbe.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• rubbing elbows: To socialize or associate with others.
• rubbing it in: To make someone aware of something unpleasant or uncomfortable they cannot change.
• rubbing salt in the wound: To exacerbate someone's pain or misery.

Translations

• Spanish: frotamiento

• French: frottement

• German: reiben

• Russian: трение

Related Words

• rub: To move something back and forth against a surface.

• friction: The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.

• massage: To knead or rub the muscles of (a person) to help relieve tension.

Slang Meanings of rubbing

• Meaning: Rubbing one out

  Example Sentence: He mentioned he was just rubbing one out in the bathroom.

• Meaning: Rub and tug

  Example Sentence: At that sketchy place, they offered a rub and tug service.