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 mouse’s body is wrapped in a rubber-like exterior, with slight ridges across its backside to provide additional support and comfort for the palm of your hand. —PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025

The rubber meets the road when Polly receives a mysterious box from a bewitching, raspy old woman (Kathryn Hunter, the current go-to for that type of thing — and deservedly so). —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025

The rubber also features patches of non-slip material to keep you steady while staying flexible with every step. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025

The shoes are crafted with premium, weather-resistant suede, a rubber outsole with grip and ample cushioning. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 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