cub

noun

ˈkəb 

1

a

: a young carnivorous mammal (such as a bear, fox, or lion)

b

: a young shark

2

: a young person

3

: apprentice

especially : an inexperienced newspaper reporter

Synonyms

• abecedarian
• apprentice
• babe
• beginner
• colt
• fledgling
• freshman
• greenhorn
• neophyte
• newbie
• newcomer
• novice
• novitiate
• punk
• recruit
• rook
• rookie
• tenderfoot
• tyro
• virgin

Examples of cub in a Sentence

the kind of big story that can propel a cub reporter into the stratosphere of the newspaper world

assigned to teach a bunch of young cubs how to play baseball

Recent Examples on the Web

In an emotional exchange, Glinda asks Elphaba why Fiyero helped free the lion cub from their classroom days prior. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025

The cubs could make their public debut in February. —Kim Gu, NBC News, 24 Dec. 2024

Starting in 2004, this prolific mother bear raised 18 cubs amidst the millions of visitors and residents of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. —Betsy Marston, The Denver Post, 17 Dec. 2024

This case occurred when an otter cub was captured in a fishing net and pulled to shore while crying out in distress. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably akin to Middle English cobbe leader of a group, head — more at cob

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cub

• cub reporter

Kids Definition

cub

noun

ˈkəb 

1

a

: a young flesh-eating mammal (as a bear, fox, or lion)

b

: a young shark

2

: a young person

3

: a person just learning a job : apprentice

a cub reporter

a cub pilot

4

: cub scout