noun

rut

ruht-ruh

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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.”

noun

A deep groove or track worn into the ground by repeated wheels or footsteps.

"The truck got stuck in a muddy rut on the dirt road."

A fixed, boring routine that feels hard to escape.

"After years at the same job, she felt she was stuck in a rut."

"We fell into a rut of ordering the same takeout every Friday."

The mating season of certain male mammals, such as deer, marked by heightened sexual activity.

"Stags become more aggressive during the autumn rut."

How to use rut

Learner’s notes

In 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.

Common mistake

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.

Common pairings

stuck in a rut get out of a rut the autumn rut

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ruts
Third person singular: ruts
Past tense: rutted

Test yourself on “rut” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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heat groove estrus oestrus

Related words

cool race dance heat channel wake temperature nick

Rhymes for rut

strut

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.

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