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.
His commitment to his craft has rubbed off on the Hurricanes’ offensive line, which is expected to be one of the team’s clearest strengths and projected to be one of the top units at the position in the country. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2025 Quincy often tags along and the competitive spirit has rubbed off. Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025 The community’s distaste for the arrests by federal agents rubs off on local officers on the front line. Alexandra Mendoza, Mercury News, 14 July 2025 That image rubbed off on Penske’s larger business interests. Bill Koenig, Forbes.com, 21 May 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 20 Aug. 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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