carpet

noun

car·​pet ˈkär-pət 

1

: a heavy often tufted fabric used as a floor covering

also : a floor covering made of this fabric

2

: a surface or layer resembling or suggesting a carpet

carpet verb

Phrases

on the carpet

: before an authority for censure or reproof

got called on the carpet by his boss

Examples of carpet in a Sentence

We bought a new carpet for the bedroom.

Which brand of carpet did you choose?

The ground was covered by a carpet of leaves.

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, Vaara recommends beating your blanket with a carpet beater to remove dust, pet hair, and other particles. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025

Don’t sleep on the carpet selection at Edward Martin, the stone-and-tile retailer who also stocks a good selection of rugs and furniture. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025

Wearing a Tom Ford tuxedo, the prince posed on the green carpet alongside singers Mendes and Minogue, who both performed at his late mother Queen Elizabeth II's 92nd birthday London concert in 2018. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Lily Allen strikes a pose in a delicate lace outfit on the carpet at 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French carpite, from Old Italian carpita, from carpire to pluck, modification of Latin carpere to pluck — more at harvest

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing carpet

• Brussels carpet
• call (someone) on the carpet
• carpet beetle
• carpet bomb
• carpet slipper
• carpet sweeper
• magic carpet
• red carpet
• roll out the red carpet
• sweep (something) under the carpet
• tapestry carpet

Kids Definition

carpet

noun

car·​pet ˈkär-pət 

1

: a heavy fabric used especially as a floor covering

2

: a covering like a carpet

carpet verb