rug

noun

ˈrəg How to pronounce rug (audio)
Synonyms of rugnext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Butlers are kicked in the shins and told their children are ugly; a patriarch’s idiotic military decisions are venerated for their spirit; blood spilling out of a servant’s wound is more an issue for the rug. — Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026 Upstairs is Rex Cafe, a sunlit room filled with large comfy seating, area rugs, plants, and vintage decorations on the wall. — Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026 Most of all, the finale did in miniature what the season has done throughout — pull the rug out from under Paula, and from under the viewers, by presenting a set of facts, and then revealing just how much more lies underneath. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 15 July 2026 Its Mop Master system scrubs with downward pressure at 180 RPM and auto-lifts on carpets to keep rugs dry. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rug

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rug was in 1591

Phrases Containing rug

Rhymes for rug

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Browse Nearby Words

rufus
rug
ruga
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Cite this Entry

“Rug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rug. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rug

noun
ˈrəg How to pronounce rug (audio)
: a piece of thick heavy fabric usually with a nap or pile used as a floor covering

More from Merriam-Webster on rug

Nglish: Translation of rug for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rug

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