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

Orphaned, lost, and alone after a flood kills his family and carries him away from his homeland, the young Mufasa is rescued by a friendly lion cub called Taka (who later becomes Scar), the heir to a royal bloodline, who always wanted a brother. —Graeme Green, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Dec. 2024

Get a sneak peek of Blue Ivy's performance in Mufasa alongside mom Beyoncé When the story begins, Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) is still a cub, beloved by his parents, until a flash flood separates them and leaves Mufasa to fend for himself in the world. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2024

The cub has also withstood about 90% hairless, Tira added. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

His father, Obasi, the leader of his pride, voiced by Lennie James, spoils the cub. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 11 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