rubber

1 of 2

noun (1)

rub·​ber ˈrə-bər 

1

a

: one that rubs

b

: an instrument or object (such as a rubber eraser) used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning

c

: something that prevents rubbing or chafing

2

[from its use in erasers]

a

: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried

called also caoutchouc, india rubber

b

: any of various synthetic rubberlike substances

c

: natural or synthetic rubber modified by chemical treatment to increase its useful properties (such as toughness and resistance to wear) and used especially in tires, electrical insulation, and waterproof materials

3

: something made of or resembling rubber: such as

a

: a rubber overshoe

b(1)

: a rubber tire

(2)

: the set of tires on a vehicle

c

: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching

d

: condom sense 1

rubber adjective

rubber

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: a contest consisting of an odd number of games won by the side that takes a majority (such as two out of three)

2

: an odd game played to determine the winner of a tie

Examples of rubber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The University of Benin attracts tens of thousands of students, while sand, rubber, and aluminum production anchor its economy. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

Both listening and active sonar can be foiled by coating the boat with rubber tiles, which absorb noise coming from inside the hull and soak up sonar beams striking the vessel. —New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025

High-traction rubber outsoles eliminate slippage on ice and snow, and the exteriors are made from a rich, waterproof leather that’ll remain in pristine condition for years on end. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2025

Be cautious when using vinegar, though, because its high acidity can break down the rubber seal and gaskets in your dishwasher over time. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rubber

• burn rubber
• butyl rubber
• foam rubber
• hard rubber
• India rubber
• Para rubber
• Para rubber tree
• rubber band
• rubber boot
• rubber bridge
• rubber bullet
• rubber cement
• rubber check
• rubber-chicken
• rubber plant
• rubber rabbitbrush
• rubber stamp
• rubber tree
• silicone rubber
• sponge rubber

Rhymes for rubber

• blubber
• liber
• scrubber
• snubber

Kids Definition

rubber

1 of 2 noun

rub·​ber ˈrəb-ər 

1

: something used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning

2

a

: an elastic substance obtained from the milky juice of various tropical plants

b

: any of various synthetic substances like rubber

3

: something made of or resembling rubber: as

a

: a rubber overshoe

b

: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching

4

: condom

rubberlike

-ˌlīk

adjective

rubbery

ˈrəb-(ə-)rē

adjective

rubber

2 of 2 noun

1

: a contest that consists of an odd number of games (as card games) and is won by the side that takes a majority (as two out of three)

2

: an extra game played to decide the winner of a tie

Medical Definition

rubber

noun

rub·​ber ˈrəb-ər 

1

: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried

called also caoutchouc, india rubber

2

: condom sense 1