rut
Rut (noun) means a deep groove or track worn into the ground by repeated wheels or footsteps. Example: “The truck got stuck in a muddy rut on the dirt road.”
How to use rut
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally a worn groove in the ground; figuratively, a dull routine you feel trapped in. Also the breeding season of deer and similar animals.
The "boring routine" sense ("stuck in a rut") is unrelated in feel to the animal-mating sense, even though both come from the same word — context makes it obvious which is meant.
Word forms
rutted past tense, rutted past tense, ruts plural, ruts plural, ruts singular, ruts singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The truck got stuck in a muddy _____ on the dirt road.
Etymology
From Old French rut, "roar" or "bellowing," originally describing the noise male deer make during mating season.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for rut
See all rhymes for rut →Frequently asked questions
What does “rut” mean?
The word “rut” means a deep groove or track worn into the ground by repeated wheels or footsteps. In plain terms, literally a worn groove in the ground; figuratively, a dull routine you feel trapped in. Also the breeding season of deer and similar animals.
How do you pronounce “rut”?
“Rut” is pronounced ruht-ruh (/ɹʌt/ [ɹʌʔ] in IPA).
How do you use “rut” in a sentence?
Here is “rut” used in a sentence: “The truck got stuck in a muddy rut on the dirt road.”
What part of speech is “rut”?
“Rut” is a noun.
Where does the word “rut” come from?
The word “rut” comes from Old French. From Old French rut, "roar" or "bellowing," originally describing the noise male deer make during mating season.
How many meanings does “rut” have?
“Rut” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a deep groove or track worn into the ground by repeated wheels or footsteps.