tube

noun

\ ˈtüb

, ˈtyüb\

Definition of tube

1 : any of various usually cylindrical structures or devices: such as

a : a hollow elongated cylinder especially : one to convey fluids

b : a soft tubular container whose contents (such as toothpaste) can be removed by squeezing

c(1) : tunnel

(2) British : subway sense b

d : the basically cylindrical section between the mouthpiece and bell that is the fundamental part of a wind instrument

2a : a slender channel (such as a fallopian tube or a pollen tube) within a plant or animal body : duct

b : the narrow basal portion of a corolla with united petals or a calyx with united sepals

3 : inner tube

4a : electron tube especially : vacuum tube

b : cathode-ray tube especially : a television picture tube

c : television

5 : an article of clothing shaped like a tube a tube top tube socks

down the tube or down the tubes

: into a state of collapse or deterioration

Other Words from tube Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about tube

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Other Words from tube

tubed \ ˈtübd

, ˈtyübd \ adjective

tubelike \ ˈtüb-ˌlīk

, ˈtyüb- \ adjective

Examples of tube in a Sentence

She was breathing oxygen through a tube. watched the liquid move through the tube between the flasks and recorded the movement in his chemistry notebook

Recent Examples on the Web

Elegant skinny strips of tube lights ran down the center of tables in lieu of candles; overhead a dazzling, dangly light fixture subtly shifted colors from red to blue to soft yellow, bathing the cavernous space in a rotating color. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Inside Pioneer Works's 6th Annual Village Fete," 5 May 2019 Cut the tube tip at an angle and squeeze a uniform bead of caulk into the joint. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "Your Quick and Dirty Guide to Tiling a Kitchen Backsplash," 26 Apr. 2019 Finally, light the grill to make sure that none of the burner holes are clogged and all the gas lines and tubes are well connected and in good condition. — Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping, "All the BBQ Cleaning Tips You Need to Get Your Grill Ready for Summer," 5 Apr. 2019 These fire and ice dragon tubes are on Amazon for just $20 a piece. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "These GoT-Inspired Pool Floats Will Make You Feel Like the Mother of Dragons," 20 Mar. 2019 What's in the tube is impressive on its own, but what it's applied with is just as innovative. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Tarte’s New Big Ego Mascara Is the Flake-Free Vegan Formula We've Been Waiting For," 19 Apr. 2019 There’s no sticky gloss in the tube — the lipstick unwinds from inside the cap and applies with sheer and shimmering coverage, thanks to a hint of Colombian kahai nut oil. — Carolyne Zinko, SFChronicle.com, "Style Radar: SF museum’s latest fashion donation; 2 Chainz and Silicon Valley," 6 July 2018 Moreover, because of its great mass and density, mercury rarely rose above 31 inches in the tube. — Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: Who invented the barometer?," 29 June 2018 Fear of Flying The prospect of hurtling hundreds of miles an hour in a metal tube at 35,000 feet is a very common stress-inducing idea. — Elaine Glusac, New York Times, "18 Ways to Navigate Stress at the Airport," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tube.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near tube

Statistics for tube

Last Updated

17 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for tube

The first known use of tube was in 1651

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More Definitions for tube

tube

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tube

: a long, hollow object that is used especially to control the flow of a liquid or gas

: an object shaped like a pipe

: a soft, long, narrow container that has a small opening at one end and that contains a soft material which can be pushed out by squeezing

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

tube

noun

\ ˈtüb

, ˈtyüb\

Kids Definition of tube

1 : a long hollow cylinder used especially to carry fluids

2 : a long soft container whose contents (as toothpaste or glue) can be removed by squeezing

3 : a slender channel within a plant or animal body : duct

4 : a hollow cylinder of rubber inside a tire to hold air

5 : electron tube

6 : television sense 2

tube

noun

\ ˈt(y)üb

Medical Definition of tube

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a slender channel within a plant or animal body : duct — see bronchial tube, eustachian tube, fallopian tube

2a : an often complex piece of laboratory or technical apparatus usually of glass and commonly serving to isolate or convey a product of reaction a distillation tube

b : test tube

3 : a soft tubular container whose contents (as toothpaste) can be dispensed by squeezing

4 : a hollow cylindrical device (as a cannula) used for insertion into bodily passages or hollow organs for removal or injection of materials