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.
This is a good option for larger items like furniture and rugs that local buyers can pick up directly. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 The vintage George Smith armchair is covered in a patchwork of antique rugs. — Caroline Randall Williams, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 His painting of The Last Supper (1986) shows a group of villagers sitting cross-legged on a rug, surrounding a round table and sharing food from a round tray. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The rooms are characterful for such a huge scale (there are 252 of them) and have brass or walnut bed frames, vintage-look floral wallpaper, wooden floors, and Afghan rugs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 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 1 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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