rug

noun

ˈrəg 

1

: lap robe

2

: a piece of thick heavy fabric that usually has a nap or pile and is used as a floor covering

3

: a floor mat of an animal pelt

a bearskin rug

4

slang : toupee sense 1

5

British : a blanket for an animal (such as a horse or dog)

Synonyms of rug

• wig
• toupee
• hairpiece

Examples of rug in a Sentence

I accidentally spilled wine on the rug.

You could tell that he was wearing a rug.

Recent Examples on the Web

Between 1200Boom’s patient lurch and slaq’s feverish run-on, both rappers’ cadences unfurl like rugs. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026

The biggest markdown is on this cloud-like rug—now 72 percent off—but these Brooklinen cooling sheets shouldn’t be overlooked, either. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 26 June 2026

Don't let this deal get swept under the rug! — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026

This bath rug has rave reviews calling it quick-drying and soft underfoot — snag it for less than $10. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English *rug rag, tuft, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect rugga coarse rug, Old Norse rǫgg tuft

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rug

• cut a rug
• flokati rug
• lie like a rug
• Oriental rug
• prayer rug
• pull the rug from under
• rug rat
• scatter rug
• steamer rug
• sweep (something) under the rug
• throw rug

Rhymes for rug

• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug
• jug
• lug
• mug
• plug
• pug
• rugg
• shrug

Kids Definition

rug

noun

ˈrəg 

: a piece of thick heavy fabric usually with a nap or pile used as a floor covering