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tube

noun
\ ˈtüb How to pronounce tube (audio) , ˈtyüb\

Definition of tube

1 : any of various usually cylindrical structures or devices: such as
a : a hollow elongated cylinder especially : one to convey fluids
b : a soft tubular container whose contents (such as toothpaste) can be removed by squeezing
c(1) : tunnel
(2) British : subway sense b
d : the basically cylindrical section between the mouthpiece and bell that is the fundamental part of a wind instrument
2a : a slender channel (such as a fallopian tube or a pollen tube) within a plant or animal body : duct
b : the narrow basal portion of a corolla with united petals or a calyx with united sepals
3 : inner tube
4a : electron tube especially : vacuum tube
b : cathode-ray tube especially : a television picture tube
c : television
5 : an article of clothing shaped like a tube a tube top tube socks
down the tube or down the tubes
: into a state of collapse or deterioration
Other Words from tube Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about tube

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Other Words from tube

tubed \ ˈtübd How to pronounce tubed (audio) , ˈtyübd \ adjective
tubelike \ ˈtüb-​ˌlīk How to pronounce tubelike (audio) , ˈtyüb-​ \ adjective

Examples of tube in a Sentence

She was breathing oxygen through a tube. watched the liquid move through the tube between the flasks and recorded the movement in his chemistry notebook

Recent Examples on the Web

 The entrants sit 8 to 10 feet off the ground, holding sticks or tubes that have foam, a boxing glove, or a tennis ball taped at the end. — Erik Lacitis, The Seattle Times, "Dead Baby Bikes Downhill brings ‘gleeful mayhem’ to Seattle streets," 3 Aug. 2019 Those drains are attached to tubes that run down inside the roof pillars and drain underneath the car. — courant.com, "Car Talk: Her Lincoln Town Car can’t weather the storms," 2 Aug. 2019 The limited-edition capsule includes tees, tube tops, hoodies and shorts covered in Eilish's signature graffiti graphics (starting at $40). — Emily J. Sullivan, The Hollywood Reporter, "Partners in Design: Sneakers Inspired by 'SpongeBob' Characters and Jennifer Lopez's Versace Gown," 22 July 2019 Video posted on social media appeared to show flames shooting out of a tube on the roof. — Anna Bauman, Detroit Free Press, "Fire breaks out at Parc restaurant in downtown Detroit," 16 July 2019 All of the food, decor and outfits were tinted in shades of pink, and the birthday girl wore a hot pink tube top and her hair down in waves. — Hannah Chubb, PEOPLE.com, "Inside Khloé Kardashian's Delicious 35th Birthday Bash—Complete with Pink Grilled Cheese Sandwiches," 28 June 2019 The bike does has a battery bulge along the backside of the seat tube. — Thomas Ricker, The Verge, "First look: Cowboy proves the e-bikes with removable batteries can be beautiful," 8 June 2019 The wire bottle brush can clean out the inside of each tube. — Joe Lindsey, Popular Mechanics, "How to Clean Your BBQ Grill," 14 May 2019 Too much time spent in front of the tube was discussed as a national epidemic and a plague on the nation’s children. — Christian Lorentzen, Harper's magazine, "Like This or Die," 10 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tube.' 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 tube

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for tube

French, from Latin tubus; akin to Latin tuba trumpet

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More Definitions for tube

tube

noun
How to pronounce tube (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of tube

: a long, hollow object that is used especially to control the flow of a liquid or gas
: an object shaped like a pipe
: a soft, long, narrow container that has a small opening at one end and that contains a soft material which can be pushed out by squeezing

See the full definition for tube in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tube

noun
\ ˈtüb How to pronounce tube (audio) , ˈtyüb\

Kids Definition of tube

1 : a long hollow cylinder used especially to carry fluids
2 : a long soft container whose contents (as toothpaste or glue) can be removed by squeezing
3 : a slender channel within a plant or animal body : duct
4 : a hollow cylinder of rubber inside a tire to hold air
5 : electron tube
6 : television sense 2

Other Words from tube

tubelike \ ˈtüb-​ˌlīk , ˈtyüb-​ \ adjective

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