rub up
verb
rubbed up; rubbing up; rubs up
1
: to revive or refresh knowledge of : recall
2
: to improve the keenness of (a mental faculty)
Examples of rub up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Should your dog rub up against something toxic, look out for biting, licking, and guarding the area, such as their paws, bellies, undersides, and tails.
—
Amelia Arvesen, Outside Online, 5 Apr. 2025
Wolves rub up against it and frolic in the vicinity.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
The hoards of advertisers and folk who had zero affinity with movies except to rub up against film stars and Hollywood players came later.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Toe then proceeded to gently sniff the baby's head and rub up against it.
—Liz O'Connell, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for rub up
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.
Amelia Arvesen, Outside Online, 5 Apr. 2025
Wolves rub up against it and frolic in the vicinity.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
The hoards of advertisers and folk who had zero affinity with movies except to rub up against film stars and Hollywood players came later.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Toe then proceeded to gently sniff the baby's head and rub up against it.
—Liz O'Connell, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for rub up
Cite this Entry
“Rub up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rub%20up. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share