rut

1 of 4

noun (1)

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

2 of 4

verb (1)

rutted; rutting

intransitive verb

: to be in or enter into a state of rut

rut

3 of 4

noun (2)

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

rut

4 of 4

verb (2)

rutted; rutting

transitive verb

: to make a rut in : furrow

Examples of rut in a Sentence

Noun (2) I've fallen into a rut, watching television and then going to bed every night
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.
Noun
Best rut stand #5: A creek or shallow river crossing pocked with fresh tracks in brushy woods. Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024 Milwaukee has both the talent and experience to dig out of this early rut. Brian Sampson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
Black hocks from a buck that has rutted for weeks reek the best. Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024 Strong calved riders pedaled thin wheeled cycles over potholed, rutted and mucky farm roads. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rut 

Word History

Etymology

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 Slavic rŭžati to neigh

Noun (2)

perhaps modification of Middle French route way, route

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near rut

Cite this Entry

“Rut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rut. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rut

1 of 4 noun
1
: a track worn by a wheel or by frequent passage
2
: a usual or fixed routine
I need a change—I'm getting in a rut
rutty
ˈrət-ē
adjective

rut

2 of 4 verb
rutted; rutting
: to make a rut in

rut

3 of 4 noun
: the period during which male animals (as elk or deer) display behavior associated with the urge to breed

rut

4 of 4 verb
rutted; rutting
: to exhibit behavior associated with the rut
used of a male animal
Etymology

Noun

probably derived from early French route "route, way"

Noun

Middle English rutte "state of sexual excitement," from early French ruit "rut, disturbance," from Latin rugitus "roar," from earlier rugire "to roar"

Medical Definition

rut

1 of 2 noun
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

2 of 2 intransitive verb
rutted; rutting
: to be in or enter into a state of rut

More from Merriam-Webster on rut

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!