rubbing

1 of 2

noun

rub·​bing ˈrə-biŋ 

: an image of a raised, incised, or textured surface obtained by placing paper over it and rubbing the paper with a colored substance

rubbing

2 of 2

present participle of rub entry 1

Examples of rubbing in a Sentence

Noun

He made a rubbing of the old tombstone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Act+Acre Microfiber Hair Towel Act+Acre’s popular flat towel comes with instructions for a specific technique —blot and squeeze, no rubbing. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026

Eakin recommends these Sam Edelman Linnie Mule Loafers, which have the polished look of a standard, soft loafer, but the backless heel ensures no harsh rubbing. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026

More rubbing produces mahogany, tan and brown hues, caused by staining from contact with vegetation. — Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026

An estate sale company is accused of selling dozens of Chinese scrolls and rubbings for as little as $45 apiece after allegedly relying on Google Image Search to value them. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1845, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rubbing

• rubbing alcohol

Rhymes for rubbing

• clubbing
• drubbing
• dubbing
• grubbing
• scrubbing
• snubbing

Kids Definition

rubbing

noun

rub·​bing

ˈrəb-iŋ

: an image of a raised or indented surface made by placing paper over it and rubbing the paper with something colored