Rubbers: meaning, definitions and examples

In British English, this is commonly used to refer to erasers. In American English, however, 'rubbers' can also mean 'condoms', so it can create confusion or unintended humor in the conversation.

• Could you lend me a rubber to fix my mistake on this paper?
• Make sure to use rubbers if you are engaging in sexual activity.

Commonly used in American English to refer to an object used for removing pencil marks. It's the go-to term in most educational and casual settings in the United States.

• Do you have an eraser I can borrow for my math test?
• I made a mistake; let me use my eraser to correct it.

This term specifies the type of eraser, usually one made from rubber. It is less frequently used in casual conversation but can be used in more detailed descriptions or when specifying the material of the eraser is important.

• I prefer using a rubber eraser because it does not smudge as much.
• Make sure to buy a rubber eraser for your art class.

Rubbers can also refer to rubber boots or overshoes, in addition to its informal use as a term for condoms. The context defines the meaning. When used to mean condoms, it carries an informal tone.

• I'll need my rubbers; it's going to be a wet day outside.
• He jokingly called condoms 'rubbers' during our chat.

This is a neutral and most widely used term for a barrier device used during sexual intercourse. Appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, including educational and health-related discussions.

• It's important to use a condom to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STDs.
• Many schools provide free condoms to students.

This term is more formal and typically used in medical or academic contexts to refer to preventative measures, of which condoms are an example. It's less commonly used in everyday conversations.

• Doctors often recommend the use of prophylactics to prevent the transmission of infections.
• The study focused on the effectiveness of prophylactic methods in controlling sexually transmitted diseases.

This word is most commonly used in American English to refer to protective footwear worn over regular shoes to keep them dry. However, 'rubbers' can also be a slang term for condoms, so be mindful of the context to avoid misunderstandings.

• He put on his rubbers before heading out into the rain.
• Rubbers are essential during a heavy downpour to keep your shoes dry.

Galoshes are typically referenced as waterproof boots made to slip over shoes for protection against wet conditions. This term is more neutral and can be used in both casual and formal settings.

• She wore galoshes to walk through the snow without getting her feet wet.
• The children had fun splashing in puddles, thanks to their galoshes.

The term 'overshoes' is often used in a more formal or technical setting to describe protective covers worn over regular shoes, frequently in professional environments such as medical settings or industrial sites.

• The lab requires workers to wear overshoes to maintain a sterile environment.
• He slipped on his overshoes to protect his expensive leather shoes from the mud.