carpet

noun

car·​pet ˈkär-pət 

1

: a heavy often tufted fabric used as a floor covering

also : a floor covering made of this fabric

2

: a surface or layer resembling or suggesting a carpet

carpet verb

see also on the carpet

Examples of carpet in a Sentence

We bought a new carpet for the bedroom.

Which brand of carpet did you choose?

The ground was covered by a carpet of leaves.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cyrus's fiancé, Maxx Morando, who walked the carpet with the pop star, was slightly more casual. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2026

However, a speedy pass is simply not effective on most carpets and rugs. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026

The visiting locker room has comparatively low ceilings, ugly carpet and utilitarian lockers. —Matt Barrows, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026

Paper towels can break apart when used on carpet, which will leave scraps of paper in the pile. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French carpite, from Old Italian carpita, from carpire to pluck, modification of Latin carpere to pluck — more at harvest

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing carpet

• Brussels carpet
• call (someone) on the carpet
• carpet beetle
• carpet bomb
• carpet slipper
• carpet sweeper
• magic carpet
• red carpet
• roll out the red carpet
• sweep (something) under the carpet
• tapestry carpet

Kids Definition

carpet

noun

car·​pet ˈkär-pət 

1

: a heavy fabric used especially as a floor covering

2

: a covering like a carpet

carpet verb