1
as in pipes
a long hollow cylinder for carrying a substance (as a liquid or gas)
watched the liquid move through the tube between the flasks and recorded the movement in his chemistry notebook
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in TVs
an electronic device with a screen and speakers that reproduces images and sound
we plan to relax and spend some time in front of the tube tonight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tubes
The system acts as the digital interface linking the submarine’s navigation systems, mission computers, and the launch tubes that house the ballistic missiles.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
Mud tunnels, or shelter tubes, about the width of a straw, on the foundation, floor joists, and other parts of the house are signs of a colony.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
If Lake Powell’s level declines to a point that water can only pass through four 8-foot-wide bypass tubes, that would limit how much can reach California, Arizona and Nevada.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Much like Early One Morning, the surrounding tubes in Bove’s work take on a decidedly imagistic, pictorial quality, their crumpled strands suggesting wide, overlapping brushstrokes varying in tone and texture depending on the play of shadow and light.
—Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
In fact, scientists reporting to the Glen Canyon Adaptive Management Program estimate that failing to flush some deeper water through the bypass tubes this summer could let the river rise to about 79 degrees.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 28 Feb. 2026
Those sweet boys love getting deep into some ET tubes together.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Optional glow-in-the-dark tritium tubes can be added to the sides of the knife for an extra fee.
—Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2026
Each casino tried to outshine the next; in 1961, Binion’s Gambling Hall unveiled a facade equipped with eight miles of neon tubes.
—Roger Kisby, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
Mud tunnels, or shelter tubes, about the width of a straw, on the foundation, floor joists, and other parts of the house are signs of a colony.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
If Lake Powell’s level declines to a point that water can only pass through four 8-foot-wide bypass tubes, that would limit how much can reach California, Arizona and Nevada.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Much like Early One Morning, the surrounding tubes in Bove’s work take on a decidedly imagistic, pictorial quality, their crumpled strands suggesting wide, overlapping brushstrokes varying in tone and texture depending on the play of shadow and light.
—Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
In fact, scientists reporting to the Glen Canyon Adaptive Management Program estimate that failing to flush some deeper water through the bypass tubes this summer could let the river rise to about 79 degrees.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 28 Feb. 2026
Those sweet boys love getting deep into some ET tubes together.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Optional glow-in-the-dark tritium tubes can be added to the sides of the knife for an extra fee.
—Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2026
Each casino tried to outshine the next; in 1961, Binion’s Gambling Hall unveiled a facade equipped with eight miles of neon tubes.
—Roger Kisby, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tubes
Noun
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The former fake hotel is now full of glistening bronze pipes, a retro futurist look that former Imagineer Joe Rohde, who led the design, has said takes influence from the high-tech aesthetic of architect Renzo Piano, who worked on France’s Pompidou Centre.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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These plastics appear in countless products, including food packaging and water bottles; medical equipment, such as syringes and IV bags; electronics casings and appliances; automotive parts; and construction materials, such as pipes and insulation.—
André O. Hudson,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the show’s understanding of powerful men’s lust for young — often too young — women, Hayley and, subsequently, Yasmin are positioned as conduits between the elite and their transgressive desires, not unlike Ghislaine Maxwell’s role in Epstein’s broader scheme.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
5 Mar. 2026
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Beneath the deck, or roadway surface, the structure carries sewer, water and recycled water pipelines and conduits for electrical and fiber optic cables.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There will be over 30 televisions and an LED screen for sports and entertainment viewing.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
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Her department leased a luxurious plane with a queen bed, a kitchen, four televisions, and a bar.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Down the road, the synergistic opportunities are potentially more significant for building the profile of both brands, from summer festivals to new retail channels, Magliaro said.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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Adriana Lambarri’s costumes skillfully replicate the actor’s garb in the film while composer/sound designer Jazer Sibley-Schwartz channels at the outset a knowing nod to John Williams’ indelible, two-note cadence of menacing notes announcing the shark’s arrival.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tubes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tubes. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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