scrub

1 of 3

noun (1)

often attributive
1
a
: a stunted tree or shrub
b
: vegetation consisting chiefly of scrubs
c
: a tract covered with scrub
2
: a domestic animal of mixed or unknown parentage and usually inferior conformation : mongrel
3
: a person of insignificant size or standing
4
: a player not belonging to the first string

scrub

2 of 3

verb

scrubbed; scrubbing

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to clean with hard rubbing : scour
(2)
: to remove by scrubbing
b
: to subject to friction : rub
2
3
: cancel, eliminate
scrubbed the flight because of bad weather

intransitive verb

1
: to use hard rubbing in cleaning
2
: to prepare for performing surgery by scrubbing oneself
scrubbable adjective

scrub

3 of 3

noun (2)

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

Examples of scrub in a Sentence

Verb We scrubbed and scrubbed until the floor was clean. They scrubbed the game because of the bad weather.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In the Facebook video, a man in a Black Jordan hoodie and teal scrub bottoms speaks up. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 Thanks to the foresight of conservationists, that’s not the case here at Duette, where endangered habitats and animals, like the Florida scrub jay and its synonymous Florida scrub, are actually rebounding. Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 In there, the light was all cold and blue fluorescence washing over the sea of scrub caps huddled around an anesthetized young woman on a gurney. Megan Molteni, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024 From body scrubs and lip balms, to eye serum and beard oil, all of Pure Stella’s products are still handmade in her kitchen using blends of botanical ingredients and essential oils. Laurie Larsh, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The long, boar-hair bristles are easy to clean and ensure a firm yet gentle scrub. Michelle Duncan, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2024 Also, unless a scrub is specifically formulated for both face and body, stick to facial cleansing brushes and scrubs for your face. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 Security camera footage from the hospital showed about a dozen undercover forces wearing Muslim headscarves, hospital scrubs or white doctor’s coats. NBC News, 1 Feb. 2024 Use a scrub sponge or brush (do not use a scouring pad) and dish soap to clean the sink. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024
Verb
Using a dish-washing bristle brush or an old toothbrush, scrub away debris and gunk from filter. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2024 Guests are scrubbed down with thermal salt from Sárvár, slicked with lavender and almond oil, packed with a mud mask from Lake Hévíz that draws out impurities, and enveloped in a shimmering wrap that conjures discos, all while the therapist performs a vigorous Hungarian face and body massage. Alia Akkam, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2024 Plus, the three-chamber design slowly releases cleaning formulas to degrease, scrub, and shine. Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2024 Counterbalancing the arsenal of go-fast tech, the optional monobloc calipers and carbon-ceramic brakes scrub 124 mph to zero in 371 feet, which is 16 feet less than required by the 720S. There’s a bit more theatricality on tap this time around as well. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2024 First, the flames came storming across the vistas of the Texas Panhandle, burning through the grassy plains and scrub land of the region’s cattle ranches. Sean Murphy, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2024 Federal prosecutors said Martin strangled Odom in her bedroom in early April 2018, before buying cleaning supplies with a co-conspirator to scrub away the murder scene. Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Plastic shower curtains can be washed with the shower spray of your choosing during your cleaning routine, soaked in baking soda and vinegar to remove residue, and then scrubbed or even put into the washing machine on the cool setting alongside some towels. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024 In addition to routing claims to insurance companies, Change also scrubs the claim information to make sure the codes and other details are correct. Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scrub.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, alteration of schrobbe, schrubbe shrub — more at shrub

Verb

of Low German or Scandinavian origin; akin to Middle Low German & Middle Dutch schrubben to scrub, Swedish skrubba

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1595, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Noun (2)

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrub was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scrub

Cite this Entry

“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrub. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrub

1 of 3 noun
1
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

transitive verb

: to clean and disinfect (the hands and forearms) before participating in surgery

intransitive verb

: to prepare for surgery by scrubbing oneself

scrub

2 of 2 noun
1
: an act or instance of scrubbing
a surgical scrub
2
plural : loose-fitting clothing worn by hospital staff
surgical scrubs

More from Merriam-Webster on scrub

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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