Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tubful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🛁
Add to dictionary

tubful

[ˈtʌb.fəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

amount of liquid

A tubful refers to the total amount of liquid that can be held by a tub. It is often used in contexts related to bathing or storing liquids. The term can also imply a large quantity when discussing the contents of a tub.

Synonyms

amount, capacity, container, volume.

Examples of usage

  • She filled the tubful with warm water for a relaxing bath.
  • The recipe called for a tubful of water to boil the pasta.
  • He poured a tubful of paint for the large mural.
  • The children splashed around in a tubful of bubbles.
  • After a long day, he enjoyed a tubful of hot water to unwind.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Measurement

  • A tubful is often used in cooking to describe large quantities, like a tubful of water for pasta.
  • Understanding tubfuls helps when filling containers, such as for gardening or cleaning.
  • The term doesn't have a strict measurement; its meaning can change depending on the size of the tub.

Cultural References

  • In some cultures, people use large tubs for communal bath rituals, representing cleanliness and relaxation.
  • Tubs filled with ice are popular at parties for storing drinks, referred to informally as a tubful of ice.

Art and Literature

  • Artists sometimes depict scenes of overflowing tubs to symbolize abundance or excess.
  • The term appears in childhood tales where characters enjoy massive baths or splashing in water.

Scientific Applications

  • In science experiments, a tubful of water can illustrate principles of buoyancy and density.
  • Aquatic habitats often use tubfuls of water to replicate conditions for various species in research.

Origin of 'tubful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'tub' and 'full', indicating the quantity that a tub can hold.
  • It dates back to the Old English term 'tubbe', which referred to a large vessel or container.

The word 'tubful' is a compound word formed by combining 'tub', which has Old English origins, and the suffix '-ful', which denotes 'full of' or 'characterized by'. The term 'tub' itself derives from the Old Norse word 'tuba', meaning a vessel or a cask, which emphasizes its use as a container for holding liquid. The suffix 'ful' has been used in English since the 14th century to indicate the extent or the capacity of something. Therefore, 'tubful' as a term emerged to describe the specific measurement or volume pertaining to what a tub can hold, reinforcing its usage in everyday language, particularly in contexts involving cooking, cleaning, and bathing.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,060, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.