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

Bissell Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner Messes, spills, and accidents are inevitable in life, which is why having a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner is a must. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

Another reviewer commended the Shark vacuum's mop feature for its ability to detect carpets and rugs and avoid mopping them. —Hildara Araya, Parents, 27 Nov. 2025

The pope emerged from a black car and stepped onto a blue carpet, before shaking hands with Erdogan at the palace entrance. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 2025

Teacher alleges district retaliation over carpet removal Documents obtained by The Bee show that a school employee filed a work order to remove what was left of the old carpet and clean the remaining adhesive on the tile on June 12, two days after Rupert’s attempt to pull it up. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 25 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