often attributive
scrubbed; scrubbing
1
2
1
: to use hard rubbing in cleaning
2
: to prepare for performing surgery by scrubbing oneself
1
: an act or instance of scrubbing
especially
: cancellation
2
a
: one that scrubs
b
: a powerful and especially cosmetic cleanser
3
scrubs plural
: loose-fitting clothing worn by hospital staff
surgical scrubs
Synonyms
Examples of scrub in a Sentence
Noun (1)
that scrub of a mutt turned out to be the smartest dog we ever had
Verb
We scrubbed and scrubbed until the floor was clean.
They scrubbed the game because of the bad weather.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
The latest effort, primarily driven by a Senate bill, would protect 118,000 acres of the Rim of the Valley’s native grasslands, coastal sage scrub, forests and more.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Most other cats are fine cleaning themselves, thanks to their barbed tongues, which are able to scrub dirt and debris accumulated in their coats.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scrub 
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
Add a layer of baking soda and scrub until the soap scum disappears.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
The latest effort, primarily driven by a Senate bill, would protect 118,000 acres of the Rim of the Valley’s native grasslands, coastal sage scrub, forests and more.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
After 15 to 20 minutes, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub until clean.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Most other cats are fine cleaning themselves, thanks to their barbed tongues, which are able to scrub dirt and debris accumulated in their coats.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scrub
Dictionary Entries Near scrub
Cite this Entry
“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrub. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scrub
1 of 3 noun1
a
: a thick growth of small or stunted shrubs or trees
b
: an area of land covered with scrub
2
: a domestic animal of mixed or unknown parentage and usually inferior build
3
: a person of small size or low social rank
4
: a player not belonging to the first string
scrub
adjective
scrub
2 of 3 verb
scrubbed; scrubbing
: to rub hard in cleaning or washing
scrub clothes
scrubber
noun
scrub
3 of 3 noun
: an act or instance of scrubbing
Medical Definition
scrub
1 of 2 verb
scrubbed; scrubbing
: to clean and disinfect (the hands and forearms) before participating in surgery
: to prepare for surgery by scrubbing oneself
scrub
2 of 2 noun1
: an act or instance of scrubbing
a surgical scrub
2
plural
: loose-fitting clothing worn by hospital staff
surgical scrubs
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share