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

Fake plants and outdoor rugs tend to look worn and sun-bleached very quickly. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 1 May 2026

While the Scandinavian interior might persuade you to spend the weekend lounging on the sheepskin rug or admiring the view from the wrap-around windows, the true perks exist beyond the property’s four walls. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026

Similar to the vase highlighted above, the rug boasts a similar floral pattern in shades of yellow, light blue, teal, green, and ivory that’ll act as a happy pattern addition in family rooms, offices, or bedrooms alike. —Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026

As that store sees the end of its run, rugs will be sold at up to 50% off, according to Yaghoubian. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026

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