Scrub Definition & Meaning

scrub
adjective
  1. (of domestic animals) not selectively bred
noun
  1. dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes
  2. the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water
verb
  1. clean with hard rubbing; "She scrubbed his back"
  2. wash thoroughly; "surgeons must scrub prior to an operation"
  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 for scrub

bush adj

not of the highest quality or sophistication a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems a large

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chaparral noun

dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes

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cur noun

an inferior dog or one of mixed breed a cowardly and despicable person

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mixed adj

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds; "an arrangement of assorted spring flowers"; "assorted sizes

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mongrel noun

derogatory term for a variation that is not genuine; something irregular or inferior or of dubious origin

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scour noun

a place that is scoured (especially by running water) examine minutely

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scouring noun

moving over territory to search for something

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scrubbing noun

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

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underbred adj

(of persons) lacking in refinement or grace of inferior or mixed breed; "an underbred dog"

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
unimproved adj

not made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially not made ready for use or marketing

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"Scrub" in song lyrics

See how scrub is used in real songs:

  • "I was only 5'5, still a young scrub"
    2nd II None — Y?
  • "I'm out the southside, Moe-yo I'm no scrub"
    2Phace f/ Big Moe — P Potion
  • "We hellish and people relish the transition of a scrub"
    AMB f/ Twiztid — All Day

Words that rhyme with scrub

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Usage tips for "scrub"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "scrub" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for scrub to find words that pair well.

Use "scrub" in a verse

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♫ Rhymes with scrub ↔ Synonyms for scrub 🔬 Words containing scrub

Frequently asked questions

What does scrub mean?
(of domestic animals) not selectively bred dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water clean with hard rubbing; "She scrubbed his back" wash thoroughly; "surgeons must scrub prior to an operation" 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"
What part of speech is scrub?
Scrub is an adjective, a noun, and a verb.
How many definitions does scrub have?
Scrub has 6 definitions across 3 parts of speech (adjective, noun, verb).

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