scrub

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈskrəb How to pronounce scrub (audio)
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
: wash sense 6c(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
ˈskrə-bə-bəl How to pronounce scrub (audio)
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

Synonyms

Noun (1)

Verb

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Example Sentences

Verb We scrubbed and scrubbed until the floor was clean. They scrubbed the game because of the bad weather.

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

Phrases Containing scrub

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Dictionary Entries Near scrub

scroyle

scrub

scrubbed

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrub. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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Kids Definition

scrub

1 of 3 noun
ˈskrəb How to pronounce scrub (audio)
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
ˈskrəb How to pronounce scrub (audio)
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

Nglish: Translation of scrub for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of scrub for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scrub

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