rug rat

noun

Definition of rug ratnext
slang
as in preschooler

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rug rat Third row seats are best left for rug rats, or folded. — cleveland, 22 Feb. 2020 Your standard maternal protagonist is not dropping a trail of pacifiers behind her, swilling goblets of red wine the minute her rug rats are in bed, and secretly vaping in the linen closet? — Chloe Schama, Vogue, 14 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rug rat
  1. preschooler
  2. minor
  3. adolescent
  4. kindergartner
  5. schoolboy
  6. schoolchild
  7. infant
  8. newborn
Noun
  • For a preschooler, the cost was $1,121 at a home and $1,271 at a center.
    — Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Community cohesion Kolya, a preschooler, is just learning how to plant with the advice of the school’s gardeners.
    — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026
Definition of preschooler
Noun
  • In September, Syracuse University launched its Center for the Creator Economy, and will soon offer its inaugural minor for aspiring influencers.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • Carman was arrested early Saturday at a Bangkok airport before boarding a flight bound for Perth, Australia, and charged with raping a minor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Definition of minor
Noun
  • But for children and adolescents whose bodies and skeletons are still growing, specialized pediatric orthopedic care is critical.
    — JP Shaffer, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
  • Despite being a high achiever, Veena Dinavahi struggled with anxiety and depression as an adolescent.
    — Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Definition of adolescent
Noun
  • My new kindergartner especially is feeling all the big feels about school.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 6 July 2026
  • Recent amendments to be considered include assessing a kindergartner’s math knowledge rather than screening for math deficiencies, something that would help identify students who need additional support.
    — Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of kindergartner
Noun
  • As Prime Minister, Howard—a lifelong conservative who has lived abroad once, campaigning for the Tories in London—was known for having an almost schoolboy zeal for the job.
    — Oscar Schwartz, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • During The Huns’ audition at the Cellar, Nugent was standing next to club owner/promoter Paul Sampson, who was skeptical of the group’s Catholic schoolboy looks — braces, short haircuts and all.
    — Chris Placek, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Definition of schoolboy
Noun
  • Would that every schoolchild could stand on the grassy knoll for a quiet minute, pondering the imponderables.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
  • Provincial transport department official Siboniso Duma said in a statement that 11 people, including a schoolchild, died at the scene, although that was according to preliminary information.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of schoolchild
Noun
  • Symptoms of infant botulism include constipation, a floppy neck and trouble swallowing, the CDC says.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
  • If untreated, a mother who has these conditions has a higher risk of birth complications, overall poorer health, impaired bonding and nurturing of her infant, and a higher risk of death by suicide.
    — Camille Hoffman, The Conversation, 7 July 2026
Definition of infant
Noun
  • But when a French physician tested the formula on four newborns, all of them died within days, and the episode sparked a fierce controversy.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 July 2026
  • The discovery of the deceased newborn was one of two shocking incidents to come out of Electric Forest this year.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026
Definition of newborn

Browse Nearby Words

ruggedness
rug rat
rug rats
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Cite this Entry

“Rug rat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rug%20rat. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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