tub

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

Examples of tub in a Sentence

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

Our room promised nothing short of bliss, equipped with a soaking tub, open shower, king bed, private jacuzzi, and patio that overlooked acres of lush greenery and the famous Whale Tail Beach. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 8 June 2026

Making a place known Just before noon the following day, Susan Washko squatted over a white plastic tub beside the stream that runs through Fiftymile Canyon. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

Due to showers, sinks, and tubs, bathrooms are high-moisture areas. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026

Many people try to use the deep water button and wonder why the tub doesn't fill until the clothes are submerged. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

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