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

The cleaning expert recommends regularly vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery, and investing in a vacuum cleaner with a good filter to pick up odor-causing loose hair and dander. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026

With 45 different dealers, the store offers an extensive selection of American and European furniture, rugs, books, chandeliers, fishing and sporting antiques, among other treasures. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026

Pet padding is designed to protect your flooring rather than the rug itself. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

Items like outdoor cushions, pillows, and rugs also aren’t safe for winter weather. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025

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