scrub meaning

UK /skrʌb/ US /skrʌb/ 1 syllable

scrub (verb): clean with hard rubbing.

scrub has 6 meanings in this dictionary, as verb, noun and adjective.

scrub as a verb

  1. clean with hard rubbing
    • She scrubbed his back

    Synonyms: scour

    Type of: rub

    Kinds: holystone

    Related forms: scrubber, scrubbing

  2. wash thoroughly
    • surgeons must scrub prior to an operation

    Synonyms: scrub up

    Type of: wash

  3. postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled
    • Call off the engagement
    • cancel the dinner party
    • we had to scrub our vacation plans
    • scratch that meeting--the chair is ill

    Synonyms: cancel, call off, scratch

scrub as a noun

  1. dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes

    Synonyms: chaparral, bush

    Type of: vegetation

    Related forms: scrubby

  2. the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water

    Synonyms: scrubbing, scouring

    Type of: cleaning

    Kinds: swabbing

scrub as an adjective

  1. (of domestic animals) not selectively bred

    Similar: unimproved

How to pronounce scrub

scrub is pronounced /skrʌb/ in British English and /skrʌb/ in American English. It has 1 syllable.

Words that rhyme with scrub

Scrabble score: 9 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with SC · words ending in UB · 5-letter words

More about scrub on Wikipedia.