Bathtub Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：bathing tub (Bathtub)

Bathtub 🔊

/ˈbæθ.tʌb/

A large container in a bathroom that you fill with water to wash your whole body, often for relaxing.

White porcelain bathtub filled with warm water and rubber ducks

bathing tub 🔊

➕

/ˈbeɪðɪŋ tʌb/

A bathtub is a large container, often made of porcelain or acrylic, used for bathing by filling it with water and soaking the body.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combines 'bath' (from Old English bæþ) and 'tub' (from Middle Low German tubbe).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a bat in a tub taking a bath. Bat + tub = bathtub.

📖 Example

After a long hike, nothing felt better than soaking in a warm bathtub for half an hour. 🔊 After a long hike, nothing felt better than soaking in a warm bathtub for half an hour.

🔗 Collocations

soak in a bathtub – to lie in a bathtub of warm water to relax

fill the bathtub – to put water into a bathtub

clawfoot bathtub – a classic bathtub design with ornate feet

🔄 Synonyms

bath (n.) – a large container for bathing, often used interchangeably with bathtub

tub (n.) – a short, informal term for a bathtub

soaking tub (n.) – a deep bathtub designed for long, relaxing soaks

📖 Cultural Story

The modern bathtub became widespread in the 19th century with improved indoor plumbing. Ancient Romans had communal baths, but private bathtubs emerged in Victorian homes, symbolizing hygiene and luxury.