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

Why is it being shoved under the rug like this? —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026

This bath mat references a kilim-style rug while still delivering plush comfort and high-absorbency. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2026

Scroll on for more under-$50 Wayfair finds, including a Joanna Gaines rug and a breathable all-season quilt set. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026

Lark Manor Buckhill Hand-Tufted Wool Area Rug The castle is teeming with rich-looking rugs, but this one stood out to me for its regal pattern and red accents. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 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