stub
word
Definition
A 'stub' is the short piece left after something is used up, like the part of a ticket you keep, or the small remaining part of a pencil, candle, or plant stem. It can also refer to a payment slip you keep as proof.
Usage & Nuances
'Stub' is both a noun and a verb, but it's most commonly used as a noun for ticket/payment slips or the short leftover part of something. Typical collocations: 'ticket stub', 'pay stub', 'pencil stub'. Don't confuse with 'stump' (which means a bigger leftover part or tree base). In technology, 'stub' can mean a placeholder for incomplete code or documents.
Example Sentences
I lost my ticket but found the stub in my pocket.
natural
Please keep your stub for the concert.
basic
He wrote his number on a stub of paper.
basic
The candle burned down to a small stub.
basic
My pencil is just a stub now, time for a new one.
natural
Don’t throw away your pay stub until you check your salary.
natural