boob tube

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈboob ˌtube, n.  [Slang.]

1. Informal Terms television:
   [uncountable* usually: the + ~] What's on the boob tube tonight?
2. Informal Terms a television set:
   [countable* usually singular] sat in front of the boob tube for hours.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

boob′ tube′, [Informal.]

1. Informal Terms television.
2. Informal Terms a television set.

• rhyming coinage, from the notion that television programming is foolish, induces foolishness, or is watched by foolish people 1965–70

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

boob tube noun

1. a close-fitting strapless top, worn by women
2. a television receiver