How to Pronounce Rub

To pronounce "rub", say RUB — one syllable, IPA /ɹʌb/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

rub

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/ɹʌb/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “rub”

"rub" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with squib and club, if that helps it stick.

What does rub mean?

noun

  1. An act of rubbing.

    “Give that lamp a good rub and see if any genies come out”

  2. A difficulty or problem.

verb

  1. To move (one object) while maintaining contact with another object over some area, with pressure and friction.

    “I rubbed my hands together for warmth.”

  2. To rub something against (a second thing).

    “I rubbed the glass with the cloth.”

Synonyms

catchglitchhiccuphitchkinksnag

Hear “rub” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with rub

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

squibclubsnubstubscrubdrubhubgrubnubcubsubpub

Related words

wipechafescratchitchfrethitchhang-upfray

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "rub"?▾

"Rub" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "rub"?▾

The IPA transcription of "rub" is /ɹʌb/.

What does "rub" mean?▾

Rub: An act of rubbing.

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