hubble: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicArchaic / Dialectal / Historical
Quick answer
What does “hubble” mean?
A confusion, commotion, or disturbance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A confusion, commotion, or disturbance.
An old-fashioned term for a loud, confused noise, bustle, or turmoil. Can also refer to a rudimentary telescope or an air bubble.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Archaic sense equally obsolete in both. Dialectal use (e.g., Scottish for 'hubbub') is more likely in UK contexts. 'Hubble bubble' (a hookah) is a British colonial term. The telescope name is international.
Connotations
Archaic word with a quaint, historical feel. The telescope connotes scientific discovery and imagery.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary language outside the proper noun 'Hubble'.
Grammar
How to Use “hubble” in a Sentence
be in a hubblecause a hubbleVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Almost exclusively in astronomy/physics (Hubble constant, Hubble's law, Hubble Deep Field).
Everyday
Extremely rare. If used, it's an archaic synonym for 'fuss'.
Technical
Astronomy: Hubble Space Telescope, Hubble classification scheme for galaxies, Hubble flow.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hubble”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hubble”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hubble”
- Using 'hubble' as a common noun in modern English. Writing 'hubble' instead of 'Hubble' when referring to the telescope. Pronouncing it like 'hub-el' instead of 'huh-bel'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic. Its primary modern use is in the proper noun 'Hubble Space Telescope'.
It's an old term, from British colonial times, for a hookah (water pipe). It also imitates the bubbling sound it makes.
Historically and dialectally, yes, it could mean an air bubble. However, in modern standard English, use 'bubble' to avoid confusion.
In astronomy, it is the rate of expansion of the universe, named after astronomer Edwin Hubble.
A confusion, commotion, or disturbance.
Hubble is usually archaic / dialectal / historical in register.
Hubble: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌb(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʌbəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hubble bubble (for a hookah or murmuring sound)”
- “in a hubble (in a state of confusion)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the HUBBLE Space Telescope looking at a BUBBLE in space. Or, remember 'hubbub' – 'hubble' is its old, shorter cousin meaning noise and confusion.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFUSION IS A TUMULTUOUS BODY OF WATER (being 'in a hubble').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common contemporary use of the word 'Hubble'?