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Stub Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stub

[stสŒb ]

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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'stub'

Main points about word origin

  • 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 todayโ€™s language, it also links to digital contexts, like the bottom part of a ticket or document.

The word 'stub' originated in the late 14th century, from the Old Norse 'stubbi' meaning 'stump'. It initially referred to the stump of a tree or plant. Over time, its usage expanded to include a small part of a whole, such as a ticket or receipt. The verb form of 'stub' emerged in the early 17th century, meaning to write something briefly. Today, 'stub' is commonly used in various contexts to denote a small part, piece, or brief writing.

See also: stubble.

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.