1
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)

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.
The colorful rag rugs were woven by hand in a nearby village. Ann Abel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Add a rug to high-traffic areas, like your entryway or kitchen. Megan Schaltegger, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024 Shop the 10 best rug deals at Walmart starting at $14. Maggie Horton, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 The colors in the rugs tie to the pillows, the throw, the lamp and even the painting on the wall. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near rug

Cite this Entry

“Rug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rug. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rug

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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