rub off

verb

Updated on: 16 Apr 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

Those fundamentals rubbed off onto the supporters and created an atmosphere that was conducive to success.

— SI.com, "FanView: Why Nigel Pearson Would Be a Great Appointment for Championship Bound West Bromwich Albion," 10 Apr. 2018
There’s a new bit of evidence that California’s long-running unhappiness with President Trump and his policies is rubbing off on the Republican politicians who support him.

— john wildermuth, San Francisco Chronicle, "Trump’s troubles in California proving a drag to GOP House incumbents," 6 Apr. 2018
At least for one day that Eagles winning mojo rubbed off on Temple.

— marc narducci, Philly.com, "Temple wins on a memorable senior day for Steve Leonard," 25 Feb. 2018
The president’s frustration appears to have rubbed off on Dowd by the end.

— matt ford, The New Republic, "The Worst Job in Washington," 22 Mar. 2018
The luck of the Irish rubbed off on 9,253 St. Patrick's Day Millionaire Raffle ticket holders, including three who won top prizes of $1 million.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "Naperville store sells $1 million St. Patrick's lottery/raffle ticket," 19 Mar. 2018
His energy rubbed off on the players, including one who lay on his back and waved his arms on a Rhode Island three.

— dan gelston, BostonGlobe.com, "Rhode Island survives Trae Young, Oklahoma in OT," 15 Mar. 2018
But Blount doesn't subscribe to the theory that his good luck is about to rub off on his new team the Detroit Lions.

— dave birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Photos: Meet new Detroit Lions RB LeGarrette Blount," 14 Mar. 2018
The seniors’ desire to be successful can rub off on the group.

— matt case, BostonGlobe.com, "For Woburn girls, a winning tradition on the ice," 16 Mar. 2018

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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rub off

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rub-off

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rub off

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rub-off

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