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

• hairpiece
• toupee
• wig

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

One example is this darkly-hued living room that features shades of blue seen in the sofa, area rug, and artwork, with bursts of purple viewed through throw pillows and a velvet armchair. —Shelby Deering, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2024

Ready-to-wear and accessories are displayed on handmade Douglas fir totems and plinths, and a bespoke rug, handmade in Morroco and in a custom Ulla Johnson print. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024

Trying to sweep things under the rug will only hurt your credibility. —Sho Dewan, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Charlie Outdoor Area Rug, $116 with Prime This outdoor area rug has a near-perfect rating. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

rug

noun

ˈrəg 

: a piece of thick heavy fabric usually with a nap or pile used as a floor covering