rub up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To polish or scrub; to cover (something with a substance) by rubbing.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I rubbed up the brass buttons on my jacket to make them shine.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To rub (a body part): to massage, give a massage to.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To create (something) by rubbing.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “rub up” mean?
To polish or scrub; to cover (something with a substance) by rubbing.
Is “rub up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.