Tube: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'tube' to refer to a long, hollow object, often made of metal, plastic, or glass, that is used for holding or transporting liquids or gases. It is also commonly used in everyday contexts like 'toothpaste tube' or in medical settings.

• The doctor used a small tube to take a sample of blood

Using 'pipe' often implies a long, hollow tube used mainly for conveying substances like gases or liquids. It is frequently used in plumbing, manufacturing, and construction contexts.

• They installed a new pipe system in the building

Cylinder refers to a three-dimensional shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface. It can be used in various contexts, including geometry, mechanics, and everyday descriptions of objects.

• They stored the liquid in a steel cylinder

The term 'conduit' is often used in more technical or formal contexts, especially in construction, electrical, or plumbing work, to describe a channel through which something (e.g., wires, water) passes.

• A conduit allows water to flow from one area to another underground

This term is used informally, especially in British English, to refer to a television. It can sound a bit old-fashioned or nostalgic.

• Let's see what's on the tube tonight.
• We used to watch our favorite shows on the tube every evening.

This is the formal term for the device used to watch broadcast, satellite, or cable content. It’s suitable for more formal and general contexts.

• We bought a new high-definition television.
• Television has a significant impact on society.

This is the most common and casual term used to refer to a television. It's suitable for everyday conversation.

• Do you want to watch some TV?
• I spent the entire weekend binge-watching TV shows.

This term is more technical and is typically used to refer to the screen of a computer, though it can also refer to any device used for observing or checking, such as a medical monitor.

• I need a larger monitor for my computer.
• The nurse checked the patient's vital signs on the monitor.

In British English, 'tube' can colloquially refer to a television set. Otherwise, 'tube' refers to London's underground train system.

• I'm just sitting in front of the tube tonight.
• Take the tube to get to the city center.

Use 'watch TV' when generally referring to the act of viewing television programs. This is the most neutral and straightforward way to mention watching television.

• I like to watch TV in the evenings to relax.
• Let's watch TV after dinner.

Use 'binge-watch' when you want to describe watching multiple episodes of a TV series in one sitting. This term is often used in a casual manner and implies spending a long time watching TV.

• I spent the weekend binge-watching the latest season of my favorite show.
• We binge-watched all eight episodes in one night.