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.
And our party needs some of the working class grit to rub off on us. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 The Trump effect seems to have rubbed off on media unit MNC Digital Entertainment as well, with its shares up by two-thirds from a year ago. Gloria Haraito, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 His positive attitude and strong work ethic rub off on students around him. Rebecca Loroff, Journal Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2024 Nielsen’s intensity seemed to rub off on his players, and his hybrid scheme leveraged their talents better than Dean Pees’ 3-4 in previous years. Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 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 25 Dec. 2024.

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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