carpet

noun

car·​pet ˈkär-pət How to pronounce carpet (audio)
1
: a heavy often tufted fabric used as a floor covering
also : a floor covering made of this fabric
2
: a surface or layer resembling or suggesting a carpet
carpet verb
Phrases
on the carpet
: before an authority for censure or reproof
got called on the carpet by his boss

Examples of carpet in a Sentence

We bought a new carpet for the bedroom. Which brand of carpet did you choose? The ground was covered by a carpet of leaves.
Recent Examples on the Web During my first afternoon with him, Mr. McKenzie reached into a shed and emerged with a stunning carpet python coiled around his arm. Natasha Frost, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 Having a clean carpet can improve the air quality in your home, as carpets are a notorious haven for allergens. USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 Although it is made to resemble carpet, this mat is intended for outdoor use and withstands any and all dirt, debris, mud, harsh weather, and more. Lee Alisha Williams, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 Ziegler graced the carpet in a neutral gray floor length gown, allowing the eye-catching earbuds to be the star of her ensemble. Quincy Green, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2024 Water damage was visible throughout the building, including in the exercise room, where the carpet was covered in apparent mold or mildew. Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 Whereas the Oscars main carpet is all about glitz and glamour, the after-party is more about taking a risk and experimenting with silhouettes. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024 Sunday's carpet seemed to be a hotspot for stumbling stars. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 But another color was the talk of Tinseltown on Sunday as pale blue and mint gowns ruled the carpet. Maane Khatchatourian, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carpet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French carpite, from Old Italian carpita, from carpire to pluck, modification of Latin carpere to pluck — more at harvest

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near carpet

Cite this Entry

“Carpet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carpet. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

carpet

noun
car·​pet ˈkär-pət How to pronounce carpet (audio)
1
: a heavy fabric used especially as a floor covering
2
: a covering like a carpet
carpet verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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