the action of rubbing something

dab at the stain—vigorous rubbing could damage the carpet

an impression of a design on brass or stone, made by rubbing on paper laid over it with coloured wax, pencil, chalk, etc.

apply firm pressure to the surface of (something), using a repeated back and forth motion

she rubbed her arm, where she had a large bruise

he rubbed at the earth on his jeans

(with reference to two things) move or cause to move to and fro against each other with a certain amount of friction

many insects make noises by rubbing parts of their bodies together

the ice breaks into small floes that rub against each other