grub

grub · noun, verb

imported

Definitions

noun, verb

  1. 1.

    (noun) The larva of an insect, especially a beetle; a soft, thick, wormlike creature.

  2. 2.

    (noun, informal) Food, especially plain or hastily prepared food.

  3. 3.

    (verb) To dig up roots, stumps, or plants from the ground.

  4. 4.

    (verb) To search or rummage for something.

Forms

plural: grubs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    grub up — To dig up by the roots
  • •
    grub around — To search or rummage
  • •
    pub grub — Informal food served at a pub

Related words

See also: dig, food, larva, worm
Synonyms: dig, food, larva

Etymology

From Middle English grubben ("to dig"), probably from Proto-Germanic grubjan. The slang sense of "food" emerged in the 17th century, possibly from the idea of food that one "digs up."