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
Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Lipa also forwent rubber flip-flops for a more avant-garde shoe—a pair of Maison Margiela Tabi ballet flats, one of the most polarizing silhouettes in the designer footwear world, thanks to that saucy split-toe detail.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
The magic lies in the lure’s unique hexagonal metal lip that creates incredible flash and vibration, causing the rubber skirt tail and any soft-plastic trailer to shimmy wildly.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025
Wipe the dispensers, the rubber gasket, under the tub rim, and the machine's exterior.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rubber
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Noun
The sleek all-black upper, paired with black rubber pods on the outsole, embodies the sultry and timeless appeal of a black shoe versatile enough to be worn anywhere.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Lipa also forwent rubber flip-flops for a more avant-garde shoe—a pair of Maison Margiela Tabi ballet flats, one of the most polarizing silhouettes in the designer footwear world, thanks to that saucy split-toe detail.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
The magic lies in the lure’s unique hexagonal metal lip that creates incredible flash and vibration, causing the rubber skirt tail and any soft-plastic trailer to shimmy wildly.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025
Wipe the dispensers, the rubber gasket, under the tub rim, and the machine's exterior.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rubber
Cite this Entry
“Rubber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubber. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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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