How to pronounce rubbing
Say it like RUHB-ing. Rubbing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rubbing. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUHB
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rubbing 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.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of rubbing
American and British speakers say rubbing in essentially the same way: /ˈrʌbɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈrʌbɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUHB-ing.
What does rubbing mean?
- the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another
- representation consisting of a copy (as of an engraving) made by laying paper over something and rubbing it with charcoal
- effort expended in moving one object over another with pressure
Where does rubbing come from?
From Middle English rubbinge, rubbynge, equivalent to rub + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with rubbing
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rubbing.
Questions about saying rubbing
How do you pronounce rubbing?
Say RUHB-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʌbɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈrʌbɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rubbing?
Rubbing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHB). Broken into parts: RUHB · ing.
Do Americans and Brits say rubbing the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrʌbɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈrʌbɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.