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

• wig

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

Score up to 79% off weatherproof patio sets, modern accent mirrors, area rugs, and more during this flash sale to instantly upgrade your space. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025

The cleaning gadget combines strong suction, water, and cleaning solution to tackle stubborn stains and odors from rugs, couches, and other tricky-to-clean areas. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 July 2025

Everyone’s favorite washable rug, pet bed, and pillow company — Ruggable, of course — is having its Anniversary Sale right now, similar to Nordstrom, and is inviting everyone to join the celebrations via 20-percent-off sitewide deals. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 July 2025

The ceiling was now on the floor, the world had turned itself upside down, her outfit and her day and her rug were seemingly ruined—and yet she herself was not hurt. —Literary Hub, 9 July 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