rubber

1 of 2

noun (1)

rub·​ber ˈrə-bər How to pronounce rubber (audio)
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
rubber adjective

rubber

2 of 2

noun (2)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rubber was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rubber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubber. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

rubber

1 of 2 noun
rub·​ber ˈrəb-ər How to pronounce rubber (audio)
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
-ˌlīk
adjective
rubbery
ˈrəb-(ə-)rē
adjective

rubber

2 of 2 noun
1
: 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 How to pronounce rubber (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on rubber

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