scrub

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈskrəb 

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

: wash sense 6c(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

ˈskrə-bə-bəl 

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

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• diminutive
• dwarf
• midget
• mite
• peewee
• pygmy
• pigmy
• runt
• shrimp
• Tom Thumb

Verb

• abandon
• abort
• call
• call off
• cancel
• cry off
• drop
• recall
• repeal
• rescind
• revoke
• scrap

Examples of scrub in a Sentence

Verb

We scrubbed and scrubbed until the floor was clean.

They scrubbed the game because of the bad weather.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The area also has an indoor hammam experience, followed by a pink Himalayan salt scrub and a cool shower. —Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2024

The first scrub on Tuesday was due to issues with the oxidizer tank in the rocket’s central power unit, while Wednesday’s scrub was caused by a glitch in the engine start control system, according to The Moscow Times. —George Dvorsky / Gizmodo, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024

During migration season in Arizona, these hummingbirds can be observed in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub and riparian areas. —The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 2024

Kapoor explained lip scrubs exfoliate the skin, specifically the stratum corneum. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024

In the first slide, Eric showed a photo of himself from the waist down wearing hospital scrubs. —Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024

Without interrupting your pH balance, the Date Night Tincture scrub pairs well with the moisture-inducing Wet Martini capsules. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024

Steer clear of strong fragrances, scrubs, toners, and astringents. —Cindy Kuzma, Health, 16 Mar. 2024

Whether that be in the form of dry brushing, an enzyme mask, or a glycolic body scrub, every part of our body deserves to be resurfaced. —Samantha Mims, Essence, 10 Apr. 2024

Verb

Even Martha Stewart is hopping on the popular trend, donning matching loungewear while scrubbing the kitchen floor — and looking stylish while doing it. —Leonora Epstein, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024

Every image was scrubbed, and all records from his tenure as a Trojan were tagged with an asterisk. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024

Homeland Security Investigations will remain a branch of ICE but will debut its own website next week – scrubbed of ICE insignia — and give employees new email addresses. —Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2024

The eggs can also survive for a year without water — even through winter temperatures, so cleaning or scrubbing any containers that have eggs can help remove them. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

Be sure to scrub the top, bottom and inner edges of the grates to thoroughly clean. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024

Most of your cleaning power should come from hot water and gentle scrubbing or brushing, the way cast-iron pots like Chinese woks and Indian kadai are traditionally cleaned. —Julia Moskin, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2024

Netanyahu could say the sky is blue and a thousand fact-checkers would scrub his claim for signs of misinformation. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 6 Apr. 2024

Use a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the surface to remove food particles. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing scrub

• scrub brush
• scrub jay
• scrub nurse
• scrub oak
• scrub off
• scrub out
• scrub pine
• scrub typhus
• scrub up

Kids Definition

scrub

1 of 3 noun

ˈskrəb 

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

ˈskrəb 

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