rub off
verb
rubbed off; rubbing off; rubs off
: to become transferred
bad habits rubbed off on them
carbon rubs off on your hands
Examples of rub off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Plus, the make-up is completely fake and won’t rub off on their skin.
—
Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2023
The sky is the limit for Stewart and sophomore Noah Thomas, and Smith brings experience that could rub off on the two.
—Grant Gaspard, Dallas News, 1 Sep. 2023
Kelsea Ballerini's country style is rubbing off on her boyfriend Chase Stokes.
—Sabienna Bowman, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023
His approach, his personality and his competitive drive really rubbed off on the team.
—Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2023
Charitably, the series offers some insights into what might be called Messi magic, and the extent to which an extraordinarily talented player can rub off on and influence those around him, provided everyone has the right attitude.
—Brian Lowry, CNN, 11 Oct. 2023
Amanda Morgan hoped some of the city’s stardust might rub off on her.
—Sean Williams, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2023
The two-time Pro Bowl signal caller is one of the most dynamic play makers in the NFL, and his skills have rubbed off on even younger quarterbacks — especially rookie Anthony Richardson.
—Chantz Martin, Fox News, 21 Sep. 2023
While Miranda and Charlotte had set up their teens to spend more time together so Lily's college ambitions might rub off on Brady, the rubbing in question was ostensibly more extra-curricular than academic.
—Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2023
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Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2023
The sky is the limit for Stewart and sophomore Noah Thomas, and Smith brings experience that could rub off on the two.
—Grant Gaspard, Dallas News, 1 Sep. 2023
Kelsea Ballerini's country style is rubbing off on her boyfriend Chase Stokes.
—Sabienna Bowman, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023
His approach, his personality and his competitive drive really rubbed off on the team.
—Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2023
Charitably, the series offers some insights into what might be called Messi magic, and the extent to which an extraordinarily talented player can rub off on and influence those around him, provided everyone has the right attitude.
—Brian Lowry, CNN, 11 Oct. 2023
Amanda Morgan hoped some of the city’s stardust might rub off on her.
—Sean Williams, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2023
The two-time Pro Bowl signal caller is one of the most dynamic play makers in the NFL, and his skills have rubbed off on even younger quarterbacks — especially rookie Anthony Richardson.
—Chantz Martin, Fox News, 21 Sep. 2023
While Miranda and Charlotte had set up their teens to spend more time together so Lily's college ambitions might rub off on Brady, the rubbing in question was ostensibly more extra-curricular than academic.
—Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rub off.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1869, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near rub off
Cite this Entry
“Rub off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rub%20off. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
rub off
verb
: to become transferred
the ink rubbed off on my fingers
a positive attitude can rub off on others
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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