Home Dictionary Ttube

tube

When referring to the London Underground, "Tube" is usually capitalized as a proper noun. The use of "the tube" to mean a television is an older, informal American English expression that is less common today but still understood. As a verb, "to tube" is primarily used in medical contexts and is quite specific to healthcare settings.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Leo is at school and David is in his office.

David Smith

Hey champ, you still taking the tube home or are you hitching a ride?

Leo Smith

the tube is cooked. literally just gonna walk.

💡

David attempts to sound casual using 'champ' and 'hitching a ride'. Leo responds with the Gen-Z slang term 'cooked', meaning ruined or non-functional, referring to the London Underground (the Tube) being delayed or shut down.

Meanings

noun

A long, hollow cylinder of metal, plastic, glass, or other material, used for conveying fluids or as a container.

"The scientist poured the chemical through a thin glass tube."

noun

An underground railway system, specifically referring to the London Underground.

"I'll take the Tube from King's Cross to Piccadilly Circus."

noun

A television set (informal, originating from cathode ray tubes).

"I spent the whole weekend glued to the tube watching the championships."

verb (transitive)

To provide someone or something with a tube for medical purposes, such as feeding or breathing.

"The doctors had to tube the patient to ensure they received adequate nutrition."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026•Report an Error