rubbing

noun

rub·​bing ˈrə-biŋ How to pronounce rubbing (audio)
: 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
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.
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 An explains that traditional makeup removal methods like micellar water and cotton pads were leading to skin irritation due to excessive rubbing. Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rubbing

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rubbing was in 1845

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rubbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubbing. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rubbing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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