carpet

noun

car·​pet ˈkär-pət 

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

Photos were snapped of stars on the blue carpet before the show, and on stage after the show. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Vacuum the carpet to remove solid pieces first, then treat it with an appropriate carpet cleaner, using a stain remover on any areas that require extra attention. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2025

As Denise finally makes it to the carpet, Aaron has to stand awkwardly to the side. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2025

Cruise, Vanessa Kirby, Hannah Waddingham, Angela Bassett, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames are among stars who could tread the carpet for the film. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025

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

Phrases Containing carpet

• Brussels carpet
• call (someone) on the carpet
• carpet beetle
• carpet bomb
• carpet slipper
• carpet sweeper
• magic carpet
• red carpet
• roll out the red carpet
• sweep (something) under the carpet
• tapestry carpet

Kids Definition

carpet

noun

car·​pet ˈkär-pət 

1

: a heavy fabric used especially as a floor covering

2

: a covering like a carpet

carpet verb