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

Her space off the living room features a Universal Furniture Hayworth writing desk, vintage chairs, a Horchow table lamp, and vintage Caltagirone vases with a Williams Sonoma rug. —Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 11 Dec. 2024

Contrasting animal prints, vibrant colors, funky coffee tables, and decorative area rugs will evoke a sense of maximalism in your home. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

The Langham, Boston Design elements focus on banking history, from Grana’s grand gestures to more minor details, like a rug in the main lobby that mimics the back of a dollar bill. —Hannah Selinger, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024

Other home finds like outdoor rugs and full-length mirrors are also on sale. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 5 Dec. 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