rubber

1 of 2

noun (1)

rub·​ber ˈrə-bər 

1

a

: one that rubs

b

: an instrument or object (such as a rubber eraser) used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning

c

: something that prevents rubbing or chafing

2

[from its use in erasers]

a

: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried

called also caoutchouc, india rubber

b

: any of various synthetic rubberlike substances

c

: natural or synthetic rubber modified by chemical treatment to increase its useful properties (such as toughness and resistance to wear) and used especially in tires, electrical insulation, and waterproof materials

3

: something made of or resembling rubber: such as

a

: a rubber overshoe

b(1)

: a rubber tire

(2)

: the set of tires on a vehicle

c

: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching

d

: condom sense 1

rubber adjective

rubber

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: a contest consisting of an odd number of games won by the side that takes a majority (such as two out of three)

2

: an odd game played to determine the winner of a tie

Examples of rubber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For added drama, the solid gold bracelet can be removed and replaced with matching green calfskin or rubber straps. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024

Buganda Memory Foam Bath Mat in Black, $6 with coupon $12 $6 The bath mat has a velvet-like microfiber top layer, along with a mesh and rubber back that prevents it from shifting and sliding and from water seeping in. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

With that in mind, here are the most common ways to clean your hair brush: Hill says that brushes made of non-porous materials, silicone, hard plastic, or rubber can be hand-washed with a DIY cleansing agent of shampoo and water. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024

Tastefully hand-painted and crafted of 100% natural rubber, the new Sophie bath toy floats and is soft enough for your little one to chew on. —Christin Perry, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024

Although sometimes dismissed as a bunch of guys in rubber suits pushing each other into balsa wood skyscrapers (and what’s wrong with that?!), the Godzilla series is a triumph of sci-fi world-building and practical effects. —Katie Rife, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2024

Creech, dressed in a green prison shirt and pants and orange slip-on rubber shoes, was rolled into the execution chamber on a gurney and strapped to a mattress on a metal frame. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2024

The rubber material is easy to spot clean or wash with soap and water. —Christin Perry, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024

Plus, they’re crafted from sustainable materials, including Tencel knit made from eucalyptus tree fibers and a natural rubber outsole. —Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rubber

• burn rubber
• butyl rubber
• india rubber
• foam rubber
• Para rubber tree
• rubber bridge
• hard rubber
• rubber boot
• rubber band
• rubber cement
• rubber stamp
• silicone rubber
• Para rubber
• rubber tree
• rubber check
• rubber-chicken
• rubber plant
• rubber rabbitbrush
• sponge rubber
• rubber bullet

Kids Definition

rubber

1 of 2 noun

rub·​ber ˈrəb-ər 

1

: something used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning

2

a

: an elastic substance obtained from the milky juice of various tropical plants

b

: any of various synthetic substances like rubber

3

: something made of or resembling rubber: as

a

: a rubber overshoe

b

: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching

4

: condom

rubberlike

-ˌlīk

adjective

rubbery

ˈrəb-(ə-)rē

adjective

rubber

2 of 2 noun

1

: a contest that consists of an odd number of games (as card games) and is won by the side that takes a majority (as two out of three)

2

: an extra game played to decide the winner of a tie

Medical Definition

rubber

noun

rub·​ber ˈrəb-ər 

1

: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried

called also caoutchouc, india rubber

2

: condom sense 1