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Rug Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rug

[rʌɡ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

for sitting on

A floor covering made of thick woven material or animal skin, typically not extending over the entire floor.

Synonyms

carpet, floor covering, mat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rug

Typically used to describe a smaller piece of fabric placed on the floor, often used for decoration or comfort. Rugs can be placed on top of other flooring materials like tiles or hardwood.

  • She bought a new rug for the living room.
  • He placed a rug under the coffee table.
carpet

Usually refers to a larger piece of fabric that covers the entire floor or a significant portion of it. Carpets are often installed wall-to-wall and can provide insulation and noise reduction.

  • They decided to install a new carpet in the bedroom.
  • The hotel lobby has a luxurious red carpet.
mat

Refers to a smaller piece of fabric, plastic, or other material typically used in specific functional contexts, such as a doormat, bath mat, or exercise mat. Mats often serve a practical purpose more than a decorative one.

  • She wiped her feet on the doormat before entering the house.
  • He rolled out his yoga mat before starting his workout.
floor covering

A more general term that refers to any material used to cover a floor, including rugs, carpets, tiles, and more. This term is less specific and can be used in formal or technical discussions.

  • The builders offered several options for floor coverings.
  • Selecting the right floor covering is crucial for the aesthetics and functionality of a room.

Examples of usage

  • He sat cross-legged on the rug while sipping his tea.
  • The rug added warmth and coziness to the room.
Context #2 | Noun

for cleaning

A piece of thick heavy fabric or paper with a pile used especially as a floor covering.

Synonyms

carpet, floor covering, mat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rug

Typically used for smaller, often decorative pieces that can easily be moved around. Rugs are commonly placed in living rooms or bedrooms to add a touch of style or comfort.

  • She bought a colorful rug to place next to her bed.
  • The rug in the living room makes the space feel cozy.
carpet

Usually refers to wall-to-wall coverings that span an entire room. Carpets are often used in homes and offices for comfort and insulation.

  • They decided to install new carpet in the entire house.
  • The conference room has a plush carpet that muffles sound.
mat

Typically smaller and less decorative, mats are often used for practical purposes like wiping feet, exercising, or protecting surfaces. They can be found at entrances, kitchens, or gyms.

  • Place the mat at the door to keep dirt out of the house.
  • She rolled out her yoga mat and began her routine.
floor covering

A more general term that encompasses all types of materials used to cover a floor, including carpets, rugs, tiles, and vinyl. This term is often used in a professional or commercial context.

  • The company offers a wide range of floor coverings to suit any decor.
  • We need to choose a durable floor covering for the kitchen.

Examples of usage

  • She beat the rug with a stick to get rid of the dust.
  • The rug absorbed the dirt and grime from the shoes.
Context #3 | Verb

to criticize severely

To scold or rebuke harshly.

Synonyms

rebuke, reprimand, scold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rug

Used to refer to a piece of thick, often woven fabric used on the floor for comfort or decoration.

  • She placed a beautiful rug in the living room.
  • The cat loves to sleep on the soft rug.
rebuke

Used in formal or serious situations to express sharp or stern disapproval, often from someone in authority or a position of respect.

  • The manager rebuked the team for not meeting the sales targets.
  • She received a rebuke from the principal for her tardiness.
scold

Used when someone is expressing anger or severe displeasure, often directed towards children or subordinates for behaving badly.

  • The mother scolded her child for drawing on the walls.
  • He scolded his employee for missing the deadline.
reprimand

Used in professional or official settings to formally express disapproval or criticism, often documented or delivered in a structured manner.

  • He received a written reprimand for inappropriate behavior.
  • The officer was reprimanded for not following the protocol.

Examples of usage

  • The manager will rug you if you don't meet the deadline.
  • He was rugged for his sloppy work.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, rugs have been a symbol of wealth and status, often displayed in homes to show off craftsmanship.
  • Persian rugs are particularly famous, known for their intricate designs and are often considered a form of art.

Interior Design

  • Rugs can change the mood of a room, making it feel cozier or more formal, depending on their style and placement.
  • Layering rugs can create depth and interest in home decor.

Scientific Facts

  • The fibers of rugs can trap dust, which can be problematic for allergy sufferers; regular cleaning is important.
  • Studies show that soft flooring materials like rugs can reduce noise levels in homes by absorbing sound.

Pop Culture

  • In television shows and movies, characters sometimes sit on rugs to create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
  • The phrase 'sweeping it under the rug' originates from the notion of hiding problems instead of addressing them head-on.

Origin of 'rug'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rug' comes from the Old Norse word 'rugga,' which refers to a piece of fabric or a mat.
  • Initially, rugs were not just decorative; they served as functional items for warmth and comfort on cold floors.

The word 'rug' originated in the mid-16th century, derived from the Scandinavian word 'rugga' meaning rough hair. Initially, it referred to coarse fabric or clothing. Over time, the term evolved to denote a floor covering made of woven material or animal skin. Rugs have been used for centuries for practical and decorative purposes in homes around the world.

See also: rugby, rugger.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,738, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.