English Reference
noun · verb

carpet

n. · v.
US /ˈkɑɹpət/ car·pet UK spelling carpets

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a thick, heavy fabric used to cover the entire floor of a room.

    n.a heavy textile floor covering, typically made of wool or synthetic fibres, intended to cover a floor surface completely.

    Simple

    We decided to install a soft grey carpet in the bedroom to make it feel warmer.

    In context

    The interior designer recommended a high-traffic nylon carpet for the hallway to ensure durability against constant wear and tear.

    rugmatting
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    n.a thick layer of something that covers the ground, like leaves or flowers.

    n.a thick, uniform layer of something covering a surface, often used figuratively for natural phenomena.

    Simple

    A thick carpet of red and yellow leaves covered the forest floor in October.

    In context

    By dawn, a lush carpet of bluebells had transformed the woodland into a vibrant sea of colour.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    v.to put a carpet down on a floor.

    v.to install a textile floor covering in a room or building.

    Simple

    It will be much quieter once we carpet the stairs and the upstairs hallway.

    In context

    The landlord agreed to carpet the entire apartment before the new tenants moved in next month.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to cover a surface with a thick layer of something.

    v.to cover a surface extensively or completely, as if with a carpet.

    Simple

    Snow began to carpet the fields as the temperature dropped in the evening.

    In context

    Volcanic ash began to carpet the surrounding villages, forcing residents to stay indoors for safety.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced British EnglishInformal

    v.to tell someone officially that they have done something wrong.

    v.to reprimand or scold someone officially; derived from the image of being called onto the carpet of a superior's office.

    Simple

    The manager carpeted him for being late to work three times in one week.

    In context

    The junior clerk was carpeted by the senior partner after the accounting error was discovered during the annual audit.

    reprimandscoldtell off
  6. 06 C2 Proficiency SlangVulgar

    n.a slang word for a woman's pubic hair.

    n.a slang and often vulgar term referring to female pubic hair.

    Simple

    The comedian made a crude joke about the color of her carpet matching her hair.

    In context

    The script was edited to remove several vulgar references to 'the carpet' that were deemed inappropriate for a general audience.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated