rub off

verb

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Definition of rub off

intransitive verb

: to become transferred

bad habits rubbed off on them

carbon rubs off on your hands

—

rub-off

play \ˈrəb-ˌȯf\ noun

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Recent Examples of rub off from the Web

Maybe O’Connor’s frank, forthrightness will also rub off on Orlando City’s entire organization.

— mike bianchi, Pro Soccer USA, "James O’Connor is finally forcing Orlando City’s players to look in the mirror," 14 July 2018
But sometimes his passive, analytic approach rubs off on his teammates.

— terry pluto, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers: Time to 'feel' like playoffs really matter -- Terry Pluto," 14 May 2018
Taylor and DeWine have run from Gov. John Kasich's more moderate stances on health care and firearms and embraced Trump – hoping the president's popularity with conservatives will rub off on them.

— jessie balmert, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio primary: The wacky, bitter battle to replace Gov. John Kasich," 5 May 2018
One thing is for sure, and that's Counsell and the Brewers hope some of Thames's current long-ball magic rubs off on the rest of an offense that's been stuck in neutral for much of the season.

— todd rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Just call Eric Thames Mr. April, or if you're the Reds, pitch around him," 18 Apr. 2018
Tick tubes are filled with nesting material for mice and sprayed with insecticide that rubs off onto their fur.

— jennifer walter, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Ticks are appearing more frequently in backyards. Here's how to target ticks close to home.," 3 July 2018
The second-half was underway to a more enthusiastic atmosphere, and the rise in decibel levels clearly rubbed off on the players, with Jose Mourinho's men beginning to test the Watford back-line.

— SI.com, "Man Utd 1-0 Watford: Michael Carrick Shines & Says Goodbye to Old Trafford as Red Devils Win," 13 May 2018
The appeal of the western has certainly rubbed off on Zhao, who’s now immersed in writing one.

— gary thompson, Philly.com, "The western rides back from the sunset in 'The Rider,' one of the best films of the year," 19 Apr. 2018
If his stays, Headley’s on-base skills – his .352 mark would have led the 2017 Padres – would fit nicely in the middle of a lineup that could stand to have Headley’s plate patience rub off on it.

— jeff sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres roster review: Chase Headley," 25 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rub off.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rub off

1869

in the meaning defined above

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