Pronunciation: /ˈrʌbɪŋ/

Definitions of rubbing

noun the action of moving one's hand or an object back and forth against a surface

Example Sentences

A1 I enjoy rubbing my dog's belly.

A2 She felt a soothing sensation from rubbing the lotion on her skin.

B1 Rubbing the lamp three times summoned the genie.

B2 The athletes used rubbing alcohol to clean their equipment.

C1 The gentle rubbing of the massage therapist helped relax the client's muscles.

C2 The rubbing of two sticks together created friction and started a fire.

verb present participle of the verb 'rub', which means to move one's hand or an object back and forth against a surface

Example Sentences

A1 She is rubbing her eyes because she is tired.

A2 The cat is rubbing against my leg to show affection.

B1 He was rubbing his hands together nervously before the interview.

B2 The athlete was rubbing his sore muscles after the intense workout.

C1 The jeweler spent hours rubbing the gemstone to achieve the perfect shine.

C2 The artist was rubbing charcoal onto the canvas to create a dramatic effect.

Examples of rubbing in a Sentence

formal The physical therapist showed the patient the proper technique for rubbing the sore muscles.

informal I always feel better after rubbing my temples when I have a headache.

slang She's always rubbing it in that she got the promotion over me.

figurative The success of the team was like rubbing salt in the wound for their rivals.

Grammatical Forms of rubbing

past tense

rubbed

plural

rubbing

comparative

more rubbing

superlative

most rubbing

present tense

rub

future tense

will rub

perfect tense

have rubbed

continuous tense

is rubbing

singular

rubbing

positive degree

rub

infinitive

to rub

gerund

rubbing

participle

rubbed

Origin and Evolution of rubbing

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'rubbing' originated from the Middle English word 'rubben', which was derived from the Old French word 'rubber' meaning to rub.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'rubbing' has evolved to refer to the act of applying pressure and friction to a surface in order to clean, polish, or smooth it.