rut
4 synonyms for rut, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A deep groove or track worn into the ground by repeated wheels or footsteps.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
estrus
oestrus
How to use rut
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stuck in a rut
get out of a rut
the autumn rut
Etymology
From Old French rut, "roar" or "bellowing," originally describing the noise male deer make during mating season.
Full origin of 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.
