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scrub

noun (1), often attributive
\ ˈskrəb How to pronounce scrub (audio) \

Definition of scrub

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1a : 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

verb
scrubbed; scrubbing

Definition of scrub (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1a(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

scrub

noun (2)

Definition of scrub (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : an act or instance of scrubbing especially : cancellation
2a : one that scrubs
b : a powerful and especially cosmetic cleanser
3 scrubs plural : loose-fitting clothing worn by hospital staff surgical scrubs
Other Words from scrub Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about scrub

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Other Words from scrub

Verb

scrubbable \ ˈskrə-​bə-​bəl How to pronounce scrubbable (audio) \ adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for scrub

Synonyms: Verb

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

Antonyms: Verb

continue, keep

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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.

First Known Use of scrub

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

History and Etymology for scrub

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

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Dictionary Entries near scrub

scroungy

scrow

scroyle

scrub

scrubbed

scrubber

scrub birch

Statistics for scrub

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for scrub

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

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More Definitions for scrub

scrub

verb

English Language Learners Definition of scrub

: to rub (something) hard with a rough object or substance and often with soap in order to clean it
informal : to decide that (something, such as a game, performance, etc.) will not happen : to cancel (something)

See the full definition for scrub in the English Language Learners Dictionary

scrub

verb
\ ˈskrəb How to pronounce scrub (audio) \
scrubbed; scrubbing

Kids Definition of scrub

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: to rub hard in washing

scrub

noun

Kids Definition of scrub (Entry 2 of 3)

: a thick growth of small or stunted shrubs or trees

scrub

noun

Kids Definition of scrub (Entry 3 of 3)

: the act, an instance, or a period of rubbing hard in washing

scrub

verb
\ ˈskrəb How to pronounce scrub (audio) \
scrubbed; scrubbing

Medical Definition of scrub

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to prepare for surgery by scrubbing oneself

scrub

noun

Medical Definition of scrub (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on scrub

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with scrub

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scrub

Spanish Central: Translation of scrub

Nglish: Translation of scrub for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of scrub for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scrub

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