rubbing

noun

rub·​bing ˈrə-biŋ 

: an image of a raised, incised, or textured surface obtained by placing paper over it and rubbing the paper with a colored substance

Examples of rubbing in a Sentence

He made a rubbing of the old tombstone.

Recent Examples on the Web

After the brief soak, slowly wipe downward to melt away the makeup with minimal rubbing. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Apr. 2025

There is much rubbing of ash between fingers and squinting to gauge the color. —David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025

Industrial steel pendant lights and Isamu Noguchi paper lanterns hang from the ceiling, and lining the walls just below are a series of charcoal rubbings that Prestele made of manhole covers while on a road trip through Japan a decade ago. —Gisela Williams, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025

Thanks to the clever blend of grape-seed, lavender, and sunflower-seed oils, this formula can remove even the most stubborn waterproof makeup without persistent rubbing. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rubbing

• rubbing alcohol

Rhymes for rubbing

• clubbing
• drubbing
• dubbing
• grubbing
• scrubbing
• snubbing

Kids Definition

rubbing

noun

rub·​bing

ˈrəb-iŋ

: an image of a raised or indented surface made by placing paper over it and rubbing the paper with something colored