What does rug mean?
The word rug most often names a thick textile covering laid on part of a floor. Unlike wall-to-wall carpeting, a rug is usually a separate rectangular, oval, or round piece that can be moved, cleaned, or removed, though the distinction is practical rather than absolute. Rugs may be woven, knotted, tufted, felted, or made from wool, cotton, jute, and synthetic fibers; area rug and prayer rug are common types. The word can also denote a heavy woven woollen cover or blanket. As a verb, rug is informal, especially in North American English, meaning to ruin, spoil, or wreck something, as in “The storm rugged the old car.” In standard prose, destroy, ruin, or wreck is usually clearer. Across both meanings, rug evokes practical household textiles, while the slang verb adds a forceful, destructive sense.
A thick textile covering laid on part of a floor, often made by weaving, knotting, tufting, or felting.
"A small blue rug softened the sound of footsteps in the hallway."
The noun can also refer to a heavy woven or felted cover or blanket. It is neutral in register and common in British and US English.
To ruin, spoil, or wreck something.
"The comedian's jokes rugged the carefully prepared demonstration."
This verb is informal and especially associated with North American English.
The regular plural is used for individual floor coverings, textiles, and the plural form of the verb.
"The rugs were rolled up before the room was painted."
From floor mat to “ruin it”—one little word has covered floors and wrecked plenty of plans.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rug come from?
The English noun appeared in Middle English as rugge, borrowed from Old Norse rugg, meaning a coarse woollen cover. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, although it has often been associated with words meaning rough or shaggy. The adjective rugged developed through reference to a coarse texture, while the verb meaning to spoil or destroy is a later informal extension.
Related word forms
How rug is actually used
The noun is neutral and common in both British and US English. The verb is informal and especially common in North American usage; in formal prose, ruin, destroy, or wreck is usually preferable.
Easily confused with rug
A rug is a textile floor covering or heavy woven cover, whereas a rung is one of the horizontal steps of a ladder.