scrub

noun (1), often attributive

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\ ˈskrəb

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 Phrases Containing scrub Learn More About scrub

Synonyms & Antonyms for scrub

Synonyms: Verb

Antonyms: Verb

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.

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

scroyle

scrub

scrubbed

Statistics for scrub

Cite this Entry

“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrub. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for scrub

scrub

verb

\ ˈskrəb

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

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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scrub

Definition of scrub

Other Words from scrub

Synonyms & Antonyms for scrub

Examples of scrub in a Sentence

First Known Use of scrub

History and Etymology for scrub

Learn More About scrub

Dictionary Entries Near scrub

Statistics for scrub

Kids Definition of scrub