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.
That effort is rubbing off on the Wildcats. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 Perhaps some of that could rub off on Lombard, who has the chance to coach for decades to come at 49 years old. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 The ‘velvet’ – the soft skin that covered them during their growth – has rubbed off, exposing the bone beneath. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Caballero joked that Judge and Stanton were rubbing off on him. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 20 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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