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.
Maybe some of that vibe will rub off on the youngest fans, too. Sam Brock, NBC news, 11 July 2025 And apparently, the 39-year-old’s presence has been beneficial, rubbing off on Bridges. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2025 The community’s distaste for the arrests by federal agents rubs off on local officers on the front line. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025 His father has definitely rubbed off on him in terms of cleanup, but this first kill was a little rough and sloppy. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 11 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rub off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rub%20off. Accessed 31 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!