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
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.
Johansson’s care ultimately rubbed off on Kellyman in the best way. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 12 May 2025 The veteran forward has given this team a massive spark, and it's rubbed off across the board. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 Perhaps his hard exterior is rubbing off on his Innie, thanks to the reintegration process? Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025 The worst part, perhaps, is the feeling that your own bad luck is rubbing off on your team. Tyler Foggatt, The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rub off

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rub off was in 1869

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Cite this Entry

“Rub off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rub%20off. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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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