ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rubbed

v. · adj.
US //ˈɹəbd// UK //ɹˈʌbd// rubbed
  1. 1 applied a substance (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    spread a liquid, cream, or powder onto a surface by pressing and moving.

    the past tense of 'rub' used to describe the application of a substance onto a surface through pressure and motion.

    Example

    She rubbed some lotion into her dry skin to make it feel better.

    Example

    The trainer rubbed a warming ointment into the athlete's calf muscles to prevent cramping during the final sprint.
  2. 2 coated with a substance (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    describes something, especially food, that has had spices or oil spread over it.

    describing a surface or material that has been treated or coated with a substance through the process of rubbing.

    Example

    The chef prepared a rubbed steak with a mix of pepper and garlic.

    Example

    The recipe calls for a dry-rubbed brisket, which must be refrigerated for several hours to allow the spices to penetrate the meat effectively.

Last updated June 20, 2026