How to pronounce rub
Say it like RUHB. Rub is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rub. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUHB
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rub pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RUHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of rub
American and British speakers say rub in essentially the same way: /rʌb/ in the US and /rʌb/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUHB.
What does rub mean?
- move over something with pressure“rub my hands”“rub oil into her skin”
- cause friction“my sweater scratches”
- scrape or rub as if to relieve itching“Don't scratch your insect bites!”
- an unforeseen obstacle
- the act of rubbing or wiping“he gave the hood a quick rub”
Words that rhyme with rub
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rub.
Questions about saying rub
How do you pronounce rub?
Say RUHB. The American pronunciation is /rʌb/. In British English it is /rʌb/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rub?
Rub is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: RUHB.
Do Americans and Brits say rub the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rʌb/ and the British form is /rʌb/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.