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

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 litter of cubs was born to first time mom, 4-year-old Cora, and 8-year-old Vader, according to zoo officials. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025 Here, bears find the space to stretch their limbs and walk for perhaps the first time since being cubs. Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025 Their numbers were estimated to be about 60 adults and over a dozen cubs in 2023. David Chiu, People.com, 2 June 2025 In any wolf pack, the Alpha is obvious and even among these cubs, Jake (a superb Kayo Martin) is easily identifiable as the ringleader. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 17 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cub. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

cub

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on cub

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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