Meaning & use

tube

noun·Everyday

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A long, hollow cylinder, typically made of metal, glass, plastic, or rubber, used to convey or contain liquids, gases, or other materials.

See it in a sentence

She squeezed the last bit of toothpaste from the tube.

The plumber replaced the corroded tube beneath the sink.

A note on using this word

In British English, "the Tube" (capitalized) is an informal name for the London Underground subway system.

Words with a similar meaning

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

Another way to use it

2. noun

(informal, chiefly British) The London Underground railway system.

We took the Tube from King's Cross to Piccadilly Circus.

3. noun

(informal, dated) Television.

He spent the whole evening glued to the tube.

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