lug

¹

[ luhg ]

verb (used with object)

, lugged, lug·ging.

1. to pull or carry with force or effort:

   to lug a suitcase upstairs.

2. to introduce or interject in an inappropriate or irrelevant manner:

   to lug personalities into a discussion of philosophy.

3. (of a sailing ship) to carry an excessive amount of (sail) for the conditions prevailing.

verb (used without object)

, lugged, lug·ging.

1. to pull or tug laboriously.
2. (of an engine or machine) to jerk, hesitate, or strain:

   The engine lugs when we climb a steep hill.

noun

1. an act or instance of lugging; a forcible pull; haul.
2. a wooden box for transporting fruit or vegetables.
3. Slang. a request for or exaction of money, as for political purposes:

   They put the lug on him at the office.

lug

²

[ luhg ]

noun

1. a projecting piece by which anything is held or supported.
2. a ridge or welt that helps to provide traction, as on a tire or the sole of a shoe.
3. Masonry. either of the ends of a lug sill.
4. Carpentry. (in a double-hung window) one of a pair of projections extending downward from the ends of the meeting rail of the upper sash.
5. a leather loop hanging down from a saddle, through which a shaft is passed for support.
6. Shipbuilding. clip ²( def 6 ).
7. Slang.
   1. an awkward, clumsy fellow.
   2. a blockhead.
   3. a man; guy.

lug

³

[ luhg ]

noun

1. lugsail.

lug

⁴

[ luhg ]

noun

1. lugworm.

Lug

⁵

[ lookh ]

noun

1. an ancient Irish god, probably a solar deity.

lug

¹

/ lʌɡ /

verb

1. to carry or drag (something heavy) with great effort
2. tr to introduce (an irrelevant topic) into a conversation or discussion
3. tr (of a sailing vessel) to carry too much (sail) for the amount of wind blowing

noun

1. the act or an instance of lugging

lug

²

/ lʌɡ /

noun

1. a projecting piece by which something is connected, supported, or lifted
2. Also calledtug a leather loop used in harness for various purposes
3. a box or basket for vegetables or fruit with a capacity of 28 to 40 pounds
4. dialect.
   another word for ear 1
5. slang.
   a man, esp a stupid or awkward one

lug

³

/ lʌɡ /

noun

1. nautical short for lugsail

lug

⁴

/ lʌɡ /

noun

1. short for lugworm

Other Words From

• un·lugged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lug¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English luggen, from Scandinavian; compare Norwegian lugge, Swedish lugga “to pull by the hair”

Origin of lug²

First recorded in 1485–95; from Scandinavian; compare Norwegian, Swedish lugg “forelock”; lug ¹

Origin of lug³

By shortening

Origin of lug⁴

First recorded in 1595–1605; earlier lugg; perhaps special use of lug ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of lug¹

C14: probably from Scandinavian; apparently related to Norwegian lugge to pull by the hair

Origin of lug²

C15 (Scots dialect) lugge ear, perhaps related to lug ¹(in the sense: to pull by the ear)

Origin of lug³

C16: origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Stu, a sweet lug Bhanu first sees doing pull-ups in his garage, will become the focus of her romantic aspirations, and she his.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s an elevated experience that demands a sense of reverence, but it’s also an event that requires one to lug a cooler full of cheese up a hill.

From Los Angeles Times

Guys who might have focused all their energy on Jordans now were copping shoes their dad might have worn, but with the bold twists that define everything Echevarria does — two-tones, chunky lug soles and cheetah print.

From Los Angeles Times

CDs were seemingly indestructible and much easier to lug around.

From Salon

It’s an elevated experience that demands a sense of reverence, but it’s also an event that requires one to lug a cooler full of cheese up a hill.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• carry
• ferry
• haul
• heave
• tote
• tow