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Definition of rubbernecker

rubbernecker

/ˈrʌb.ɚˌnɛk.ɚ/
rub · ber · neck · er
Plural:rubberneckers
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rubbernecker Lexical Profile

rubbernecker Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who turns their head to stare at something in an overly curious or foolish manner, especially a motorist who slows down to look at a roadside accident.

Example

"Traffic on the northbound lane was backed up for miles because every passing rubbernecker slowed down to stare at the fender bender."

2

North American A sightseer or tourist who cranes their neck to look at buildings and landmarks.

Example

"The open-top bus was packed with eager rubberneckers craning to see the city's famous skyscrapers."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for rubbernecker

• Nearby Words

rubberize
rubberlike
rubberneck
rubbernecker
rubbernose pleco
rubbers
rubberstamp

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 19th-century American English from the compound 'rubberneck', vividly imagining a curious onlooker stretching and twisting their neck as if it were made of elastic rubber to get a better view.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rubbernecker. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rubbernecker
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