scrub down

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To clean through a scrubbing action; to thoroughly clean up by scrubbing.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

The maid scrubbed down the floor.

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 reduce a budget, especially by removing inefficiencies and redundant spending; to lower spending to the minimum necessary.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To improve the public image or apparent value of something.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “scrub down” mean?

To clean through a scrubbing action; to thoroughly clean up by scrubbing.

Is “scrub down” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.