# tubular

/ˈtubjəɫɝ/ (US) · /tjˈuːbjʊlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tubular
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. shaped like a tube

adjective · CEFR B2

having the shape of a long, hollow pipe or cylinder.

For teachers: having the form or shape of a tube; cylindrical and typically hollow.

- The bike frame is made from strong tubular steel to keep it light.
- The modern office building featured a striking tubular glass exterior that allowed natural light to reach the central atrium from every angle.

### 2. cool or excellent

adjective · CEFR C2 · American English · Slang · Archaic

an old-fashioned way to say something is very good or exciting.

For teachers: a slang term used to express approval or excitement, specifically associated with 1980s American youth culture.

- That wave was totally tubular, man.
- The film used 'tubular' and other period-specific slang to parody the exaggerated surfer subculture of the mid-1980s.

Teaching tip: This sense is very dated and mostly used today to joke about 1980s surfer stereotypes; learners should avoid using it in serious conversation.

## Examples

- The bike frame is made of light, tubular steel.
- The scientist examined the tubular structure of the plant stem under a high-powered microscope.
- While the engineer focused on the tubular integrity of the pipeline, the surfer on the beach shouted that the massive waves were totally tubular.

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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.