lug

¹ American  

[luhg] / lʌg /

verb (used with object)

lugged, lugging

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.

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verb (used without object)

lugged, lugging

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 American  

[luhg] / lʌg /

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.

7. Slang.

   1. an awkward, clumsy fellow.

   2. a blockhead.

   3. a man; guy.

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lug ³ American  

[luhg] / lʌg /

noun

1. lugsail.

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lug ⁴ American  

[luhg] / lʌg /

noun

1. lugworm.

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Lug ⁵ American  

[lookh] / lʊx /

noun

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

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lug ¹ British  

/ lʌɡ /

noun

1. a projecting piece by which something is connected, supported, or lifted

2. Also called: tug.  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

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lug ² British  

/ 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

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noun

1. the act or an instance of lugging

lug ³ British  

/ lʌɡ /

noun

1. nautical short for lugsail

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lug ⁴ British  

/ lʌɡ /

noun

1. short for lugworm

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Other Word Forms

• unlugged adjective

Etymology

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”; see lug ¹

Origin of lug³

By shortening

Origin of lug⁴

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

Explanation

To lug something is to drag or haul it. If you have to lug a heavy backpack to school, look into buying a fashionable backpack on wheels. If you overpack for a trip, you might end up having to lug your suitcases around the airport, and if your grocery bag breaks on your way home, you'll have to lug your gallon of milk and bunches of bananas in your arms instead. As a noun, lug has several less common meanings, including "a handle-like projection," and "an asymmetrical four-sized sail." Informally, a lug is also an ear in Scotland, and a bully in North America.

Example Sentences

Many people over the years have recommended that I get an e-reader so I don’t have to lug around books in my suitcase.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2026

Another reported that the artist would wake up at 3 a.m. to lug his supplies to the perfect spot and, in the throes of his work, would forget to eat all day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

A $1,000 bag of silver coins weighs more than 50 pounds, making it cumbersome to lug around.

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

Smiles all round: festival-goers happily lug their belongings across the farm as they head to where they plan to pitch their tent for the next five nights.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

“True, sir. Many a moral for the young,” returned Mr. Wopsle,—and I knew he was going to lug me in, before he said it; “might be deduced from that text.”

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Related Words

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