rug

noun

ˈrəg How to pronounce rug (audio)
Synonyms of rugnext
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)
see also:
pull the rug from under

Synonyms of rug

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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
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.
For the children’s floor, the designer chose bright rugs, fabrics, and wall paints. — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 5 Sep. 2026 My Magic Carpet rugs feature a waterproof lining that helps prevent liquids from soaking through. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 The intention was not to pull the rug out from underneath the audience, but to capture the sudden emotion people like Fetters really experienced. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026 Elton John traveled with his own furniture and rugs to adorn his dressing room area, Castillo recalled. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rug

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rug was in 1591

Phrases Containing rug

Rhymes for rug

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Browse Nearby Words

rufus
rug
ruga
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Cite this Entry

“Rug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rug. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rug

noun
ˈrəg How to pronounce rug (audio)
: a piece of thick heavy fabric usually with a nap or pile used as a floor covering

More from Merriam-Webster on rug

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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