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

The right pet hair remover or lint roller for pet hair keeps your clothes fur-free — not to mention other fabrics, such as couches, bed sheets and rugs. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026

The moody primary, with its vibrant pop of citron from Eny Lee Parker’s Petal rug, features a double-arched walnut headboard with a wine-and-moss botanical tapestry inset. —Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026

Zero George doesn’t clobber you over the head with history (no 19th-century portraits, chunky mahogany heirlooms, or oriental rugs). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

Underfoot, a plush, golden-toned rug softens the entire room; the furniture sits low and inviting. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 May 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