1
a
: one that rubs
b
: an instrument or object (such as a rubber eraser) used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning
c
: something that prevents rubbing or chafing
2
[from its use in erasers]
a
: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried
called also caoutchouc, india rubber
b
: any of various synthetic rubberlike substances
c
: natural or synthetic rubber modified by chemical treatment to increase its useful properties (such as toughness and resistance to wear) and used especially in tires, electrical insulation, and waterproof materials
3
: something made of or resembling rubber: such as
a
: a rubber overshoe
b(1)
: a rubber tire
(2)
: the set of tires on a vehicle
c
: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching
d
rubber
adjective
1
: a contest consisting of an odd number of games won by the side that takes a majority (such as two out of three)
2
: an odd game played to determine the winner of a tie
Examples of rubber in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 16 May 2024
Part Two popcorn worm bucket that unintentionally invoked comparisons to genitalia by requiring users to stick their hands down a rubber top.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 May 2024
Despite the name, latex paint might seem actually doesn’t contain rubber.
—Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2024
Some may prefer to use more of their land for growing rubber or mining gold.
—J. Edward Moreno, New York Times, 10 May 2024
The fists and the rubber rats were flying Wednesday night, and now the Florida Panthers are flying to Boston with new life in this NHL second-round playoff series.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 9 May 2024
While the pink rubber strap can be swapped out in favor of the collection’s other-wordly integrated bracelet, the pink portion of the dial is there to stay.
—Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 8 May 2024
The Royals fell to 20-14 ahead of Sunday’s rubber match.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2024
The closed-toe sandal style protects feet, while the rubber outsole offers plenty of traction on wet surfaces.
—Jessica Booth, Parents, 3 May 2024
Noun
The full-length foam midsole and strategic rubber tread provide plenty of traction to prevent injury.
—Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 16 May 2024
Part Two popcorn worm bucket that unintentionally invoked comparisons to genitalia by requiring users to stick their hands down a rubber top.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 May 2024
Despite the name, latex paint might seem actually doesn’t contain rubber.
—Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2024
Some may prefer to use more of their land for growing rubber or mining gold.
—J. Edward Moreno, New York Times, 10 May 2024
The fists and the rubber rats were flying Wednesday night, and now the Florida Panthers are flying to Boston with new life in this NHL second-round playoff series.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 9 May 2024
While the pink rubber strap can be swapped out in favor of the collection’s other-wordly integrated bracelet, the pink portion of the dial is there to stay.
—Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 8 May 2024
The Royals fell to 20-14 ahead of Sunday’s rubber match.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2024
The closed-toe sandal style protects feet, while the rubber outsole offers plenty of traction on wet surfaces.
—Jessica Booth, Parents, 3 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rubber.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rubber
Cite this Entry
“Rubber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubber. Accessed 20 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rubber
1 of 2 noun
rub·ber
ˈrəb-ər 
1
: something used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning
2
a
: an elastic substance obtained from the milky juice of various tropical plants
b
: any of various synthetic substances like rubber
3
: something made of or resembling rubber: as
a
: a rubber overshoe
b
: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching
4
: condom
rubberlike
adjective
-ˌlīk
rubbery
adjective
ˈrəb-(ə-)rē
rubber
2 of 2 noun1
: a contest that consists of an odd number of games (as card games) and is won by the side that takes a majority (as two out of three)
2
: an extra game played to decide the winner of a tie
Medical Definition
rubber
noun
rub·ber
ˈrəb-ər
1
: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried
called also caoutchouc, india rubber
2
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