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 That’s beginning to rub off on cherubic Leon, a precocious gourmet (and vulnerable mark for local bullies) who cooks the family’s meals but doesn’t eat them. Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Aug. 2024 Now, though, there is evidence that this skepticism is rubbing off on other vaccines too — including those that have been required and known to be safe for years. Tia Yang, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2024 The gel can accidentally be rubbed off onto someone else, raising their testosterone levels unintentionally. Rachel Gurevich, Parents, 30 July 2024 Her paternal grandfather's love of cooking and experimenting in the kitchen rubbed off on her from a young age. Keryn Donnelly, refinery29.com, 22 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rub off 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rub off.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Aug. 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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