rub-a-dub

[ ruhb-uh-duhb ]

noun

1. the sound of a drum when beaten.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rub-a-dub¹

First recorded in 1780–90; imitative

Example Sentences

And away he ran among the trees in search of his pigs, while Eric heard his little drum, and his song of "Rub-a-dub, halloo!"

From Project Gutenberg

But he said, No, he remembered nothing but how to beat the drum—Rub-a-dub!

From Project Gutenberg

A little French drummer, singing to his rub-a-dub, and the agreeable yell of a dog, complete the vocal performers.

From Project Gutenberg

Swinton, his ear tuned to the outer distances of the void, caught a soft faint rub-a-dub, rub-a-dub!

From Project Gutenberg

Fifes shrilled, and the rub-a-dub-dub of a dozen drums set the air in a tremor.

From Project Gutenberg