cub

noun

ˈkəb How to pronounce cub (audio)
Synonyms of cubnext
1
a
: a young carnivorous mammal (such as a bear, fox, or lion)
b
: a young shark
2
: a young person
3
: apprentice
especially : an inexperienced newspaper reporter

Synonyms of cub

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Examples of cub in a Sentence

the kind of big story that can propel a cub reporter into the stratosphere of the newspaper world assigned to teach a bunch of young cubs how to play baseball
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Smithsonian National Zoo welcomed five cheetah cubs this month. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026 One early Saturday morning in June of 2025, a pair of very small raccoon cubs, about six weeks old, were strolling around the yard, exploring their world. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 Once the jug was off, the cub was quickly revived and reunited with its mother, who stayed in the area, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026 Of those, 80% involved cubs or female bears accompanied by cubs. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cub

Word History

Etymology

probably akin to Middle English cobbe leader of a group, head — more at cob

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cub was in 1530

Phrases Containing cub

Rhymes for cub

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Browse Nearby Words

Cuautitlan Izcalli
cub
Cuba
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Cite this Entry

“Cub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cub. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cub

noun
ˈkəb How to pronounce cub (audio)
1
a
: a young flesh-eating mammal (as a bear, fox, or lion)
b
: a young shark
2
: a young person
3
: a person just learning a job : apprentice
a cub reporter
a cub pilot
4
: cub scout
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