Definition

A round cover that fits over the center part of a wheel on a vehicle, often made of metal or plastic.

Example

He polished the hubcap until it shone like new.

Conversation

Did you see that car with the missing hubcap parked outside?

Yeah, it looked so weird without it!

I wonder how people lose their hubcaps so easily.

Probably just driving over a bump or something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hubcap is formed from "hub" (from Old English "hyb", meaning the central part of a wheel) and "cap" (from Old French "cape", meaning a covering). The word "hubcap" refers to a covering for the central part of a wheel.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'hub' as the center of the wheel being covered by a 'cap' — that's what a hubcap does.

Visually Confused Words