Tub Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🛁
tub
[tʌb ]
Definitions
bathing
A wide, open, deep, typically round container with a flat bottom used for holding liquids, growing plants, etc.
Synonyms
bath, bath basin, bathing tub.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tub |
General term for a large container used for soaking or washing, often found in bathrooms.
|
| bath |
Refers to the act of washing oneself or being immersed in water. It can also refer to the place where this activity happens.
|
| bathing tub |
A more descriptive term for a tub used specifically for bathing. It is slightly more formal and emphasizes the purpose of the tub.
|
| bath basin |
An older or less common term that refers to a large basin or container for bathing, typically movable. This term is less frequently used in modern English.
|
Examples of usage
- She soaked in the tub for hours.
- He filled the tub with warm water for a relaxing bath.
- The baby splashed happily in the tub.
- The tub was filled with bubbles and scented oils.
- The old clawfoot tub added character to the bathroom.
informal
A large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped receptacle or container.
Synonyms
container, receptacle, vessel.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tub |
Used for larger, open-top, usually round or oval containers that can hold liquids or solids. Often associated with bathtubs or large buckets.
|
| container |
A general term for anything used to hold, store, or transport items. It can be used for various types, shapes, and sizes, including boxes, bottles, and jars.
|
| receptacle |
Often refers to a container that receives or holds something, typically used in more formal contexts. Can include bins, pots, or mailbox slots.
|
| vessel |
Refers to a container, often used for holding liquids. It's a more formal or technical term and can include ships and large tanks.
|
Examples of usage
- He carried the heavy tub of tools to the worksite.
- She lugged the tub of laundry up the stairs.
informal
To wash or bathe in a tub.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tub |
Typically used to refer to a large container or basin used for holding water for bathing. It is mostly used in the context of bathrooms.
|
| bathe |
To immerse oneself or someone else in water for cleaning or relaxation. This can be used in both a literal sense (cleaning) and a figurative sense (immersing in something pleasant). Often used when talking about washing babies, pets, or oneself.
|
| wash |
Refers to cleaning something or someone, usually with soap and water. This can be used for various items such as clothes, hands, dishes, etc., not limited to the context of taking a bath.
|
Examples of usage
- She tubbed the children before bedtime.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, bathing is a ritual for cleansing and relaxation, often associated with social gatherings.
- The concept of soaking in hot water for health benefits dates back to ancient Roman and Japanese traditions.
- Modern spa culture includes tub soaking for stress relief and communal experience, often featuring aromatherapy.
Science
- Water in a tub can help relieve muscle tension due to buoyancy and heat, aiding in relaxation.
- The temperature of the water can influence your mood; warm water often promotes relaxation while cold water can revitalize.
- Floating in water reduces body weight, making it easier on joints and muscles, benefiting those with physical discomfort.
Literature
- Tubs appear frequently in literature as symbols of comfort and escape, often representing a sanctuary amid chaos.
- In children's books, bathtubs often become playful spaces where adventures unfold, encouraging imagination.
- Authors like Charles Dickens used simple pleasures like a warm tub to depict character transformations and personal growth.
Art
- Artists have depicted baths and tubs in paintings, symbolizing leisure and self-care, showing their importance in daily life.
- Famous artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted scenes of women bathing, capturing intimacy and serenity tied to the act of bathing.
- Contemporary artwork sometimes uses bathtubs as installations, provoking thought about consumerism and domestic spaces.
Origin of 'tub'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tub' comes from Old English 'tubb,' meaning a wooden container or vat.
- Originally, tubs were often made of wood and used for various purposes, including brewing and fishing.
- The term evolved to refer specifically to bathtubs as hygiene became more important in the 19th century.
The word 'tub' originated in Middle English, from the Old English word 'tubbe', which is of obscure origin. It has been used to refer to a container for holding liquids since the 14th century. The use of 'tub' to describe a bathing container dates back to the 17th century. Over time, it has also come to mean a large or heavy receptacle. The word has remained relatively unchanged in its basic meaning throughout its history.
See also: tuber.