# stub

/ˈstəb/ (US) · /stˈʌb/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stub
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

the short part of something that remains after the rest has been used, broken, or removed. You might have a stub from a pencil or a ticket after you enter a show.

For teachers: the short, remaining part of an object after the larger portion has been consumed, detached, or discarded. Often refers to the counterfoil of a cheque or ticket kept for record-keeping purposes.

## Examples

- He kept the ticket stub as a souvenir from the concert.
- After the usher scanned her ticket, she tucked the remaining stub into her wallet for her scrapbook.
- The investigator found nothing in the ashtray but a single cigar stub, which suggested the suspect had been waiting in the office for a considerable amount of time.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the context of tickets, pencils, and financial documents like cheques or pay slips.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.