cub

noun

ˈkəb 

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

Synonyms

• abecedarian
• apprentice
• babe
• beginner
• colt
• fledgling
• freshman
• greenhorn
• neophyte
• newbie
• newcomer
• novice
• novitiate
• punk
• recruit
• rook
• rookie
• tenderfoot
• tyro
• virgin

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

The cub was also hairless and found in poor condition. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

For a year or two along the way, Dan's wife, Marilyn, wore a cub costume and also cavorted on the sideline. —Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024

Guests will also see the return of the sky bridge, enjoy a s'more or more and possibly even catch a lion cub out past their bedtime. Details: Through Jan. 12. —Meredith G. White, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024

In the new movie, Scar is introduced as a lion cub named Taka, voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing cub

• cub reporter

Kids Definition

cub

noun

ˈkəb 

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

: cub scout