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 of scrub

Noun (1)

• toy
• dwarf
• diminutive

Verb

• scrap
• cancel
• abandon
• revoke
• repeal
• abort

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

Noun

Too bad the intern isn’t sure of much — and the blood splattered on his scrubs isn’t reassuring — but who cares? —Rima Parikh, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2025

The lush landscape is characterized by Mediterranean scrub dotted with dammusi, traditional stone homes with white domes that date back to the period when the island was ruled by Arabs. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025

Verb

Use a sponge in the morning to scrub away the baking soda paste and remove any remaining stains. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025

The first window was scrubbed by bad weather and issues with ground equipment. —Ari Koeppel, The Conversation, 9 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for scrub

• bub
• club
• cub
• dub
• grub
• hub
• nub
• pub
• rub
• shrub
• snub
• stub

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