1
a
: one that rubs
b
: an instrument or object (such as a rubber eraser) used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning
c
: something that prevents rubbing or chafing
2
[from its use in erasers]
a
: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried
called also caoutchouc, india rubber
b
: any of various synthetic rubberlike substances
c
: natural or synthetic rubber modified by chemical treatment to increase its useful properties (such as toughness and resistance to wear) and used especially in tires, electrical insulation, and waterproof materials
3
: something made of or resembling rubber: such as
a
: a rubber overshoe
b(1)
: a rubber tire
(2)
: the set of tires on a vehicle
c
: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching
d
rubber
adjective
1
: a contest consisting of an odd number of games won by the side that takes a majority (such as two out of three)
2
: an odd game played to determine the winner of a tie
Examples of rubber in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
The outsole’s sturdy rubber grip kept him sure-footed, and the shoes remained comfortable even after an afternoon of exploring a medieval city on foot.
—Mary Beth Skylis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
Birmingham’s boys had split two regular-season meetings with Palisades, losing the first 6-5 and winning the second 5-4 in overtime and the rubber match was just as closely contested and even more physical.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Crumb rubber cushioning used under artificial grass may leach hazardous chemicals.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rubber
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Noun
As a result, many brogue styles today still retain features like water-resistant storm welts, calling back to the style’s role as a foul-weather shoe in a time before rubber.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
The outsole’s sturdy rubber grip kept him sure-footed, and the shoes remained comfortable even after an afternoon of exploring a medieval city on foot.
—Mary Beth Skylis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
Birmingham’s boys had split two regular-season meetings with Palisades, losing the first 6-5 and winning the second 5-4 in overtime and the rubber match was just as closely contested and even more physical.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Crumb rubber cushioning used under artificial grass may leach hazardous chemicals.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rubber
Cite this Entry
“Rubber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubber. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rubber
1 of 2 noun
rub·ber
ˈrəb-ər 
1
: something used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning
2
a
: an elastic substance obtained from the milky juice of various tropical plants
b
: any of various synthetic substances like rubber
3
: something made of or resembling rubber: as
a
: a rubber overshoe
b
: a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching
4
: condom
rubberlike
adjective
-ˌlīk
rubbery
adjective
ˈrəb-(ə-)rē
rubber
2 of 2 noun1
: a contest that consists of an odd number of games (as card games) and is won by the side that takes a majority (as two out of three)
2
: an extra game played to decide the winner of a tie
Medical Definition
rubber
noun
rub·ber
ˈrəb-ər
1
: an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried
called also caoutchouc, india rubber
2
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