ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tub

n. · v.
US //ˈtəb// UK //tˈʌb// tub
  1. 1 storage container (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a wide container used for holding or storing things like food or laundry.

    a wide, open-topped vessel of various sizes used for storage, washing, or packing.

    Example

    She bought a large tub of yogurt at the supermarket.

    Example

    The workers filled each plastic tub with fresh berries before transporting them to the cooling facility.
  2. 2 bathtub (n.)
    A2 Elementary American English

    a large container that you fill with water to wash your body.

    a large fixed or portable vessel used for bathing the entire body.

    Example

    After a long day of hiking, he just wanted to soak in a hot tub.

    Example

    The master bathroom features a deep soaking tub carved from a single block of marble.
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  1. 3 slow boat (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Humorous nautical

    a slow or old boat that is difficult to move.

    an informal, often derogatory term for a slow-moving or clumsy nautical vessel.

    Example

    I cannot believe we have to cross the lake in this old tub.

    Example

    The sailors joked that the rusty tub would likely sink before it even cleared the harbour wall.
  2. 4 mining bucket (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a box or bucket used to carry coal or rocks up from a mine.

    a container or bucket used in mining for transporting ore or coal up a shaft.

    Example

    The miners loaded the tub with coal to be pulled to the surface.

    Example

    The mechanical winch groaned as it hoisted the heavy tub of iron ore from the depths of the mine shaft.
  3. 5 to bathe (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to wash yourself in a bathtub.

    to wash or bathe in a tub; used both transitively and intransitively.

    Example

    It is time to tub the kids before they go to bed.

    Example

    In the era before modern plumbing, the family would tub in the kitchen using water heated on the stove.
Origin

From Middle English tubbe, tobbe, from Middle Dutch tubbe or Middle Low German tubbe, tobbe, further etymology unknown. Considered to be unrelated to tube.

Word family

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