tub

1 of 2

noun

ˈtəb 

1

a

: a small round container in which a product is sold

a tub of butter

b

: a wide low vessel originally formed with wooden staves, round bottom, and hoops

2

: bathtub

also : bath

3

: the amount that a tub will hold

4

: an old or slow boat

tubful

ˈtəb-ˌfu̇l 

noun

tublike

ˈtəb-ˌlīk 

adjective

tub

2 of 2

verb

tubbed; tubbing

transitive verb

1

: to wash or bathe in a tub

2

: to put or store in a tub

intransitive verb

1

: bathe

2

: to undergo washing

tubbable

ˈtə-bə-bəl 

adjective

tubber noun

Examples of tub in a Sentence

Noun

We let the pans soak overnight in a tub of soapy water.

The bathroom has a shower and tub.

She ate the whole tub of ice cream.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Heading upstairs, the elegant primary suite is outfitted with two walk-in closets, a large en suite with a soaking tub, and windows with views of the idyllic grounds. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025

At night, roast s’mores around a campfire, soak in the hot tub or stargaze. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Verb

Wellness mini-bars, tubs with a view, and a coveted Nobu restaurant at its base From $437 Everything about Canada’s first Nobu Hotel—which opened in June 2025 and combines the hospitality brand’s culinary, hotel, and residential offerings under one roof—feels exclusive. —Heather Greenwood Davis, AFAR Media, 16 July 2025

Wet the items thoroughly and fill the sink or tub up so the water is covering half of the clothing. —Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tubbe, from Middle Dutch; akin to Middle Low German tubbe tub

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

1610, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing tub

• hot tub
• tub-thumper

Rhymes for tub

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

Kids Definition

tub

1 of 2 noun

ˈtəb 

1

: a wide low container

2

: an old or slow boat

3

a

: bathtub

b

: bath sense 1

4

: the amount that a tub will hold

tub

2 of 2 verb

tubbed; tubbing

: to wash or bathe in a tub