scrub

1 of 3

noun (1)

often attributive
1
a
: a stunted tree or shrub
b
: vegetation consisting chiefly of scrubs
c
: a tract covered with scrub
2
: a domestic animal of mixed or unknown parentage and usually inferior conformation : mongrel
3
: a person of insignificant size or standing
4
: a player not belonging to the first string

scrub

2 of 3

verb

scrubbed; scrubbing

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to clean with hard rubbing : scour
(2)
: to remove by scrubbing
b
: to subject to friction : rub
2
3
: cancel, eliminate
scrubbed the flight because of bad weather

intransitive verb

1
: to use hard rubbing in cleaning
2
: to prepare for performing surgery by scrubbing oneself
scrubbable adjective

scrub

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
: an act or instance of scrubbing
especially : cancellation
2
a
: one that scrubs
b
: a powerful and especially cosmetic cleanser
3
scrubs plural : loose-fitting clothing worn by hospital staff
surgical scrubs

Examples of scrub in a Sentence

Noun (1) that scrub of a mutt turned out to be the smartest dog we ever had Verb We scrubbed and scrubbed until the floor was clean. They scrubbed the game because of the bad weather.
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.
Noun
Choose from over 15 neutral or punchy shades to add a pop of color to your scrubs. Esther Carlstone, SELF, 6 Nov. 2024 This omission wreaks of the same pettiness that led to several other Ngannou scrubs from UFC production. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Residents were also instructed to clean and scrub any containers with hot soapy water or bleach to remove any Aedes aegypti eggs and leave them to dry for at least a day. Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024 Simply rinse well under cold water, scrubbing any dirt on the surface away as needed, and then pat dry before using. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrub 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, alteration of schrobbe, schrubbe shrub — more at shrub

Verb

of Low German or Scandinavian origin; akin to Middle Low German & Middle Dutch schrubben to scrub, Swedish skrubba

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1595, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Noun (2)

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrub was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scrub

Cite this Entry

“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrub. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrub

1 of 3 noun
1
a
: a thick growth of small or stunted shrubs or trees
b
: an area of land covered with scrub
2
: a domestic animal of mixed or unknown parentage and usually inferior build
3
: a person of small size or low social rank
4
: a player not belonging to the first string
scrub adjective

scrub

2 of 3 verb
scrubbed; scrubbing
: to rub hard in cleaning or washing
scrub clothes
scrubber noun

scrub

3 of 3 noun
: an act or instance of scrubbing

Medical Definition

scrub

1 of 2 verb
scrubbed; scrubbing

transitive verb

: to clean and disinfect (the hands and forearms) before participating in surgery

intransitive verb

: to prepare for surgery by scrubbing oneself

scrub

2 of 2 noun
1
: an act or instance of scrubbing
a surgical scrub
2
plural : loose-fitting clothing worn by hospital staff
surgical scrubs

More from Merriam-Webster on scrub

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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