rub in

verb

rubbed in; rubbing in; rubs in

transitive verb

: to harp on (something unpleasant) : emphasize

keeps rubbing in the fact that she makes more money than I do

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of rub in was in 1851

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Browse Nearby Words

rubijervine

rub in

rubine

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Rub in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rub%20in. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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Kids Definition

rub in

verb

: to keep reminding someone of something unpleasant

you don't have to rub it in

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025 - Definition revised

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