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Definition of scuba

scuba

/ˈskuːbə/
scu · ba
Plural:scubas
•
Past Simple:scubaed
•
Past Participle:scubaed
•
Present Participle:scubaing
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scuba Lexical Profile

scuba Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A portable breathing device for free-swimming divers, consisting of one or more tanks of compressed air or gas connected to a regulator and mouthpiece.

Example

"The marine biologists checked the pressure gauges on their scuba gear before descending to the coral reef."

2

The sport or activity of swimming underwater while using self-contained breathing equipment.

Example

"She earned her certification in scuba during a summer research trip to the Caribbean."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scuba

• verb

1

To swim or dive underwater using self-contained breathing apparatus.

Example

"They plan to scuba along the protected kelp forests off the coast of California."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scuba

• Rhymes for scuba

• Nearby Words

scrutinize
scrutinizer
scrutiny
scuba
scud
scuff
scuffle

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1952 by American medical researcher Christian J. Lambertsen as an acronym for 'self-contained underwater breathing apparatus'. Like 'radar' and 'laser', it quickly transitioned into a standard lowercase English word.

Cite this Entry

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