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rut

noun (1)
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\ ˈrət How to pronounce rut (audio) \

Definition of rut

 (Entry 1 of 4)

1 : a periodic and often annually recurring state of certain male animals (such as deer or elk) during which behavior associated with the urge to breed is displayed
2 : the period of time during which rut occurs : breeding season

rut

verb (1)
rutted; rutting

Definition of rut (Entry 2 of 4)

intransitive verb

: to be in or enter into a state of rut

rut

noun (2)

Definition of rut (Entry 3 of 4)

1a : a track worn by a wheel or by habitual passage
b : a groove in which something runs
c : channel, furrow
2 : a usual or fixed practice especially : a monotonous routine fall easily into a conversational rut

rut

verb (2)
rutted; rutting

Definition of rut (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

: to make a rut in : furrow

First Known Use of rut

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1600, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1607, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rut

Noun (1)

Middle English rutte, from Middle French ruit rut, disturbance, from Late Latin rugitus roar, from Latin rugire to roar; akin to Middle Irish rucht roar, Old Church Slavonic rŭžati to neigh

Noun (2)

perhaps modification of Middle French route way, route

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Time Traveler for rut

Time Traveler

The first known use of rut was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Rut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rut. Accessed 19 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for rut

rut

noun
\ ˈrət How to pronounce rut (audio) \

Kids Definition of rut

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a track worn by a wheel or by habitual passage
2 : routine entry 1 sense 1

rut

verb
rutted; rutting

Kids Definition of rut (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make a track in

rut

noun
\ ˈrət How to pronounce rut (audio) \

Medical Definition of rut

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a periodic and often annually recurring state of certain male animals (such as deer or elk) during which behavior associated with the urge to breed is displayed
2 : the period of time during which rut occurs : breeding season

rut

intransitive verb
rutted; rutting

Medical Definition of rut (Entry 2 of 2)

: to be in or enter into a state of rut

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More from Merriam-Webster on rut

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rut

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rut

Spanish Central: Translation of rut

Nglish: Translation of rut for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of rut for Arabic Speakers

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