English Reference

Word

scuba

Phoneticsscu·ba, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈskubə/

UK/skˈuːbɐ/

Uncountable noun

Definition

n. equipment that divers wear to breathe underwater. It usually includes a tank of air on the diver's back and a tube for the mouth.

n. an apparatus used by divers for breathing underwater, consisting of a portable cylinder of compressed air and a regulator. Originally an acronym for 'Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus'.

Examples

“He took a SCUBA course before his trip to the ocean.”

“The instructor checked every piece of SCUBA gear twice before allowing the students to enter the water.”

“Modern SCUBA technology has evolved significantly since the mid-twentieth century, allowing researchers to remain submerged for extended periods to document fragile coral reef ecosystems.”

Examples

simple

“He took a SCUBA course before his trip to the ocean.”

contextual

“The instructor checked every piece of SCUBA gear twice before allowing the students to enter the water.”

complex

“Modern SCUBA technology has evolved significantly since the mid-twentieth century, allowing researchers to remain submerged for extended periods to document fragile coral reef ecosystems.”

Usage

Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'SCUBA gear', 'SCUBA diving', or 'SCUBA tank'.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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