Stub: meaning, definitions and examples

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stub

[stʌb ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

object

A small part of a whole, especially a piece of paper or cardboard that shows that something has been paid for or that is used to identify something or someone.

Synonyms

receipt, token, voucher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stub	A 'stub' often refers to a small piece of something that shows the remains after the main part is removed. It can also mean a part of a ticket kept as a record or proof of payment. Keep your ticket stub to show at the entrance. He handed over the pay stub to verify his earnings.
receipt	A 'receipt' is commonly used as a document that serves as proof of a financial transaction. It is given after payment has been made, typically in stores, restaurants, or for services. Can I have a receipt for this purchase? She kept the receipt in case she needed to return the item.
voucher	A 'voucher' is a document that can be exchanged for goods, services, or a certain amount of money. It is typically used for promotions, discounts, or as a method of payment in specific situations. She used a voucher to get a discount on her meal. The school gave each student a voucher for free lunch.
token	A 'token' usually refers to a small item, often a coin or a piece of paper, that represents something else of value. It is often used for entry, exchange, or proof of purchase in specific situations like transportation systems or arcade games. You need a token to use the subway. Collect your tokens from the machine before starting the game.

Examples of usage

This is your ticket, keep it safe.
She tore off the stub of the receipt and handed it to the customer.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

information

A short part of a text, film, or broadcast that is shown to advertise it or to give an idea of its content.

Synonyms

preview, teaser, trailer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stub	Used when referring to a short piece of text or a small placeholder, often in documents or code. Can also mean the part of a ticket or check that remains after the main part has been used or removed. I only have the ticket stub left after entering the concert. The program has a stub function for future development.
preview	Appropriate when referring to a preliminary view or a sample of something that hasn't been released yet, such as a movie, a book, or new software. The movie preview generated a lot of excitement. She gave me a preview of her new novel.
teaser	Best used when referring to a short promotional piece designed to intrigue and attract attention, without giving away too much information. The teaser trailer for the new series left everyone wanting more. They released a teaser ad ahead of the big campaign.
trailer	Specifically used for a longer promotional video that highlights key aspects of a film, TV show, or game to attract an audience. The movie trailer showed some of the most thrilling scenes. We watched the trailer for the upcoming video game.

Examples of usage

The movie trailer gave us a glimpse of the action-packed film.
The preview was just a stub, but it left me wanting to see more.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

writing

To write something quickly, without much detail.

Synonyms

jot down, note, scribble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stub	Typically refers to the remains of something that has been used, like a ticket or receipt. Rarely used in the context of writing unless referring to an object like a pencil stub, and it often has a negative connotation. He kept the ticket stub as a souvenir from the concert. She wrote with a pencil stub that was almost too short to hold.
jot down	Use this when you need to write something quickly and informally, typically a short note or reminder. She jotted down his phone number on a napkin. I always jot down my grocery list before heading to the store.
scribble	This is informal and often implies that the writing is done in a hurry, making it messy or hard to read. The toddler scribbled all over the walls. She scribbled a quick message before rushing out the door.
note	This is more formal and can be used in both professional and personal contexts. Notes are typically more detailed than jotting something down. Please make a note of the meeting time. He took detailed notes during the lecture.

Examples of usage

She stubbed out a quick note and left it on the table.
He stubbed down some key points for his presentation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'stub' comes from the Old English 'stubbe', which means a stump or a piece left behind.
The connection to cutting or removing something has been around since the 14th century.
In today’s language, it also links to digital contexts, like the bottom part of a ticket or document.

Science

In botany, a 'stub' can refer to what remains of a tree after it has been cut down, which can help the tree to regrow.
In ecology, stubs in environments serve as important habitats for several organisms, affecting local ecosystems.

Art

In drawing, the 'stub' of a pencil influences shading techniques as artists often have a preference for using stubs for finer details.
Artists consider stubs as critical remnants that contribute to the creative process, offering a unique texture in artwork.

Literature

In literature, characters may leave stubs of themselves in memories, representing remnants of their past actions and decisions.
The phrase 'stubbing your toe' can be a metaphor in poetry for unexpected pain from life's little reminders.

Pop Culture

In movie theater culture, a 'stub' is often what remains after you watch a film, symbolizing a shared experience.
Some apps have digital stubs, which are used to track attendance or participation in events, showing a modern take on the concept.

Translations

Translations of the word "stub" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ponta

toco
esboço

🇮🇳 ठूंठ

स्टब
रसीद

🇩🇪 Stummel

Stumpf
Quittung

🇮🇩 tunggul

potongan
kwitansi

🇺🇦 обрубок

пеньок
квитанція

🇵🇱 kikut

pień
paragon

🇯🇵 切り株 (kirikabu)

使い古し (tsukaifurushi)
受取 (uketori)

🇫🇷 moignon

souche
reçu

🇪🇸 tocón

talón
recibo

🇹🇷 köse

kütük
fiş

🇰🇷 그루터기 (geurutegi)

🇸🇦 جذع (jiz')

🇨🇿 pařez

pahýl
účtenka

🇸🇰 pahýľ

peň
potvrdenka

🇨🇳 树桩 (shùzhuāng)

🇸🇮 panj

okrušek
račun

🇮🇸 stubbur

🇰🇿 қалдық

🇬🇪 ჯაჭვი (jachi)

🇦🇿 kütük

🇲🇽 tocón

talón
recibo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,180, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17177 fooled
17178 evaporator
17179 outweighed
17180 stub
17181 dreamer
17182 wardens
17183 chipped
...