Carpet

Definition

Carpet is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a thick woven material typically used as a floor covering. As a verb, it means to cover a floor with carpet or, more figuratively, to reprimand someone.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɑrpɪt/
• Respelling: KAR-pit

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːpɪt/
• Respelling: KAH-pit

Etymology

The word "carpet" originates from the Old French "carpite," meaning "heavy decorated cloth" or "table cover," which itself comes from Medieval Latin "carpita," meaning "thick woolen cloth." The term began to be used in English in the late Middle Ages to describe decorative cloths and, by the 16th century, became associated specifically with floor coverings.

Derivatives

• Carpeting (noun/verb)
• Carpeted (adjective/verb)
• Carpetbag (noun)
• Carpetbagger (noun)
• Carpeted (adjective)

Synonyms

• Rug
• Mat
• Covering

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "carpet" is widely used to refer to materials used for covering floors. It can also mean reprimanding someone, often used in phrases like "to be carpeted." For example, "The living room has a new carpet," or "He was carpeted by his manager for being late."

Related Terms

• Rug: A smaller piece of thick material used for floor covering, typically movable.
• Flooring: Material used to cover floors, such as tiles, wood, or carpet.
• Upholstery: Materials, including fabric and padding, used to cover furniture.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A thick, woven material used as a floor covering: Refers to a textile material, typically covering entire floors or large areas.
  • Example: "The new carpet in the hall is plush and comfortable."

Verb

• To cover a floor with carpet: Describes the action of placing or installing carpet material on a floor.
  • Example: "They plan to carpet the stairs next week."
• To reprimand someone: Informally used to describe a formal or stern warning, often in professional or military contexts.
  • Example: "He was carpeted for missing the deadline."