rub off

verb

rubbed off; rubbing off; rubs off

intransitive verb

: to become transferred
bad habits rubbed off on them
carbon rubs off on your hands
rub-off noun

Examples of rub off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Marshall’s effort on defense is rubbing off on her freshmen counterparts. Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 These grandchildren want to touch the trauma and have some of its meaning rub off. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024 As warmly received as Fernandez was by old friends at Ball Arena, Malone’s competitiveness has rubbed off on him. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2025 His mom’s influence even rubs off during interactions with reporters, for which McKinney won the Tom Mulhern Stand-Up Guy Award, given annually to the player or players who best represent professionalism and cooperation with local media. Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rub off 

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rub off was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near rub off

Cite this Entry

“Rub off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rub%20off. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

rub off

verb
: to become transferred
the ink rubbed off on my fingers
a positive attitude can rub off on others
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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