rubbing

[ ruhb-ing ]

noun

1. an act or action of a person or thing that rubs.
2. an impression of an incised or sculptured surface made by laying paper over it and rubbing with heelball, graphite, or a similar substance until the image appears.

rubbing

/ ˈrʌbɪŋ /

noun

1. an impression taken of an incised or raised surface, such as a brass plate on a tomb, by laying paper over it and rubbing with wax, graphite, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of rubbing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; rub, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He was a regular presence on the social scene, rubbing shoulders with Bollywood stars and India's elite.

From BBC

There is much rubbing of ash between fingers and squinting to gauge the color.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s the sound of Vladimir Putin rubbing his hands with glee as America does his bidding in Europe.

From Salon

The body horror hagsploitation film was a surprise hit at the box office and has been stunning awards voters too, rubbing up alongside “The Last Showgirl” as a showcase of long-overlooked dramatic talent.

From Salon

No one in attendance was sporting s**t-eating grins or rubbing their palms together malevolently, they just looked dopey and uncool.

From Salon