Clues for the word "RUB"

We've had 165 crossword clues used for this word, and seen it 648 times in crosswords. It was last seen in Mirror Mini crossword on May 30, 2026.

Definition of rub

v. t. - To subject (a body) to the action of something moving over its surface with pressure and friction, especially to the action of something moving back and forth; as, to rub the flesh with the hand; to rub wood with sandpaper.
v. t. - To move over the surface of (a body) with pressure and friction; to graze; to chafe; as, the boat rubs the ground.
v. t. - To cause (a body) to move with pressure and friction along a surface; as, to rub the hand over the body.
v. t. - To spread a substance thinly over; to smear.
v. t. - To scour; to burnish; to polish; to brighten; to cleanse; -- often with up or over; as, to rub up silver.
v. t. - To hinder; to cross; to thwart.
v. i. - To move along the surface of a body with pressure; to grate; as, a wheel rubs against the gatepost.
v. i. - To fret; to chafe; as, to rub upon a sore.
v. i. - To move or pass with difficulty; as, to rub through woods, as huntsmen; to rub through the world.
n. - The act of rubbing; friction.
n. - That which rubs; that which tends to hinder or obstruct motion or progress; hindrance; obstruction, an impediment; especially, a difficulty or obstruction hard to overcome; a pinch.
n. - Inequality of surface, as of the ground in the game of bowls; unevenness.
n. - Something grating to the feelings; sarcasm; joke; as, a hard rub.
n. - Imperfection; failing; fault.
n. - A chance.
n. - A stone, commonly flat, used to sharpen cutting tools; a whetstone; -- called also rubstone.