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

In the same vein, the sleek lacquer of the table and chairs is offset by the soft matte paint finish and a textured rug. —Lacey Howard, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Nov. 2025

DeLauro pointed to getting the rug pulled out from under her to reporters on Wednesday. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 2025

Each rug was made in Nepal and crafted with handwoven wool and silk and available in a color palette of classic architectural neutrals, rich and earthy jewel tones. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2025

The environment was soothing and cozy, with comfortable bolster pillows and sheep skin rugs to compliment the atmosphere created by the colorful bowls and calming and supportive sentiments of our guide, Rebecca. —Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2025

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