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

Dramatic lighting, jewel-toned shag rugs, and domestic props all became a theatrical reflection of not only the Brooklyn town house, but Allen’s personal journey. —Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026

Review the house for rugs, cords, or uneven surfaces that can cause a slip. —Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

For example, if a rug is too small for the room, the space may feel disconnected. —Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026

Today, Vipp is run by Nielsen’s grandchildren, Kasper Egelund and Sofie Christensen Egelund, and produces everything from sofas and rugs to lighting and mugs. —Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 27 May 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