SKIP TO CONTENT

scuba

/ˈskubə/
/ˈskubə/
IPA guide

A scuba is a portable breathing device for deep sea divers. With the help of a scuba tank, divers can explore very deep parts of the ocean.

You can use scuba for the compressed air tank itself, or to describe the divers who use it — scuba divers. Most of these scuba divers use masks and wear rubber fins on their feet to propel themselves through the water. Scuba devices are useful for recreation and tasks like coast guard search and rescue operations or marine biology observations. Scuba is an acronym, standing for "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus."

Definitions of scuba
  1. noun
    a device (trade name Aqua-Lung) that lets divers breathe under water; scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus
    synonyms: Aqua-Lung, aqualung
    see moresee less
    type of:
    breathing apparatus, breathing device, breathing machine, ventilator
    a device that facilitates breathing in cases of respiratory failure
Pronunciation
US
/ˈskubə/
UK
/ˈskubə/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘scuba'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family