1 grub | Definition of grub

grub

verb
\ ˈgrəb How to pronounce grub (audio) \
grubbed; grubbing

Definition of grub

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to clear by digging up roots and stumps
2 : to dig up by or as if by the roots

intransitive verb

1a : to dig in the ground especially for something that is difficult to find or extract
b : to search about grubbed in the countryside for foodLamp
2 : toil, drudge grubbing along at newspaper jobs— Walter Kirn

grub

noun

Definition of grub (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a soft thick wormlike larva of an insect (such as a beetle)
2a : one who does menial work : drudge
b : a slovenly person
3 : food

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Other Words from grub

Verb

grubber noun

Examples of grub in a Sentence

Verb

Everyone was grubbing for whatever food they could find. students grubbing for better grades

Noun

Let's go get some grub. after the game, we headed to the diner for some hearty grub
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Enter Maximus Worthington, a money-grubbing real estate tycoon danced by CTT artistic director and lead choreographer Mark Yonally, who promises big profits for DRC by using a trickle-down model. Lauren Warnecke, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Tap’s ambitious ‘Saving the World’ is a sassy step into politics," 9 June 2019 In an interview with People, the 48-year-old opened up about her go-to grub. Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "Here's What 'Blue Bloods' Star Bridget Moynahan Is Eating During the Family Dinners," 3 May 2019 The amateur hunters and the independent and commercial hunters aren’t all venal, money-grubbing opportunists. Rachel Becker, The Verge, "A dinosaur obsession leads to stolen fossils and prison time in this new book," 15 Oct. 2018 Eleven-year-old Nan works with a gang of other kids her age, and younger, as a chimney sweep for a money-grubbing sadist named Wilkie Crudd. Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, "Children’s Books: Pachyderm Parties and a Hue That’ll Make You Cry," 20 Sep. 2018 For many Pakistanis, his reputation for personal probity sets him apart from his money-grubbing peers. Sadanand Dhume, WSJ, "Will Imran Khan Turn Pakistan Into an Islamic Welfare State?," 12 July 2018 Stanley’s stainless-steel, double-wall insulated food jar keeps grub hot for up to 12 hours. Graham Averill, Outside Online, "Last-Minute Father's Day Gifts—for $45 or Less," 11 June 2018 In his New Voices commentary in Thursday’s Sentinel, Ben Friedman touches on all of the standard arguments against red-light cameras: invasion of privacy, lack of police oversight, money-grubbing municipalities, and on and on. OrlandoSentinel.com, "Smile, and not just when you run red lights: Cameras are everywhere," 17 May 2018 The Supreme Court’s landmark 1992 Quill decision protects small businesses across the country from tax-grubbing politicians across the country. The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Interstate Tax Grab," 15 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The bacterial milky spore disease, Bacillus popilliae, kills Japanese beetle grubs in the soil. Tim Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "It’s Japanese beetle season. Here’s how to protect your plants from these voracious pests.," 26 July 2019 Nickel houses white boys too, also treated viciously, although allocated marginally better grub and less egregiously hard labor than their segregated black peers. New York Times, "In ‘The Nickel Boys,’ Colson Whitehead Depicts a Real-Life House of Horrors," 14 July 2019 The most dramatic facelift will happen downstairs: The 180-seat Bo’s Pub will feature TVs screening live sports (including one 12-by-5-foot LED TV) and an upscale American pub grub menu. Phillip Valys, sun-sentinel.com, "Fort Lauderdale sports bar Bo’s Pub opening Aug. 9 inside the Balcony on Las Olas Boulevard," 19 July 2019 Stand-outs include weekly barbecues on the beach, and for those who want to shake it up, pub grub at the Ascot Pub & Sports Bar and Asian fare at Jing’s Kitchen are outside the resort in Maho Village yet included in the all-inclusive plan. Melanie Reffes, USA TODAY, "After Hurricane Irma, St. Martin resorts have rebuilt to become bigger and better," 2 July 2019 In recent years, Venice has embraced its free-spirited nature and elevated itself into a mecca for art, technology, and some seriously great grub. Jessi Walker, Marie Claire, "Take the Ultimate Southern California Road Trip," 27 June 2019 When: June 24 Where: Montrose Beach How much: $25-$55 The skinny: Bring your buds to try out over 40 whiskeys and wines, nosh on food truck grub and dance to live music. Shelbie Lynn Bostedt, RedEye Chicago, "Chicago festivals this weekend: June 22-25," 22 June 2017 More than 50 breweries big and small pour 100-plus beers and ciders at this festival with live music and beer-friendly grub. BostonGlobe.com, "Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market," 14 June 2016 The cozy and casual Water Street Grill (www.waterstgrill.com) serves upscale pub grub (craft burgers, meatloaf sandwich, and pulled pork with waffle fries), and has an impressive rotating lineup of artisan draft beers. Pamela Wright, BostonGlobe.com, "After the show’s over, stay and explore," 27 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grub.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of grub

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for grub

Verb

Middle English grubben; akin to Old English grafan to dig — more at grave

Noun

Middle English grubbe, from grubben

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