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

ˈrəb-ˌȯf 

noun

Examples of rub off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pair an experienced person with someone just starting out and then hope wisdom rubs off. — Kent Merrell, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Gwayne’s dislike of this plan would rub off on the rest of the men, and then Criston would lose an army that otherwise would have a good chance of fighting. — Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026

Even so, Jefferson’s directive appeared to have rubbed off on at least one person. — Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

The confidence was already rubbing off. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rub off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

rub off

verb

: to become transferred

the ink rubbed off on my fingers

a positive attitude can rub off on others