sub
/sʌb/ · sub
noun
- A self‑propelled underwater vessel designed for naval operations. The navy deployed a new sub to patrol the coastal waters.
- A long, narrow sandwich made on a roll, often filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. We ordered a turkey sub for lunch at the deli.
- A person who temporarily replaces another, especially in sports or teaching. The team’s sub scored the winning goal in the final minutes.
verb
- To act as a substitute for someone or something. She will sub for the manager while he is on vacation.
- To work as a substitute teacher, typically in primary or secondary schools. He subbed the third‑grade class when the regular teacher was ill.
- To replace a player on a team with a substitute during a match. The coach subbed the striker at halftime after an injury.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The sandwich meaning of ‘sub’ originated with U.S. Navy sailors in World War II, who called the long roll a ‘submarine’ because its shape resembled the vessels they served on.