Meaning & use

sub

noun·Everyday

An informal short form of "substitute," referring to a person or thing that takes the place of another, especially a replacement player.

See it in a sentence

The coach sent in a sub during the second half after the striker got injured.

She worked as a sub at the local elementary school whenever a teacher was out sick.

A note on using this word

"Sub" is also common slang for a submarine and for a long sandwich made on a length of bread, so context determines the meaning.

Words with a similar meaning

substitutereplacement

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A large sandwich made on a long roll, typically filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables.

He ordered a turkey sub with extra pickles from the deli.

Make it your own

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