nub

noun

ˈnəb 

1

: knob, lump

2

: nubbin

3

: gist, point

the nub of the problem

Synonyms of nub

• chunk
• clump
• hunk
• wad
• lump
• glob
• knob

Examples of nub in a Sentence

The dog chewed his bone down to a nub.

The shoes have little nubs on the bottom that prevent you from slipping.

Recent Examples on the Web

My review unit came with silicone nubs that slip onto the stems and direct sound towards my ears. — New Atlas, 17 July 2026

The outsole is made of abrasion-resistant, flexible and recyclable rubber and sports hybrid nubs, grooves and sawtooth traction patterns. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

LaCrosse Alpha Deck Boot $140 The best thing about this rubber boot is the exterior nub on its heel. — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Slugs and snails are some of the peskiest garden visitors that can riddle plant leaves with ragged holes or chew tender crops like lettuce down to nubs overnight. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of English dialect knub, probably from Low German knubbe

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nub

• the nub

Rhymes for nub

• bub
• club
• cub
• dub
• grub
• hub
• pub
• rub
• scrub
• shrub
• snub
• stub

Kids Definition

nub

noun

ˈnəb 

1

: knob sense 1a, lump

2

: the main point of a matter

the nub of the story