pug
pug Lexical Profile
pug Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small, sturdy breed of dog of Chinese origin, characterized by a smooth coat, a heavily wrinkled face, a short, square muzzle, and a curled tail.
"The pug snored loudly as it slept comfortably on the living room couch."
A boxer, especially a professional prizefighter.
"The retired pug spent his later years training young fighters at the local boxing gym."
Prepared clay or loam that has been mixed with water and kneaded into a plastic condition for brickmaking or pottery.
"The ceramicist prepared the pug before throwing it onto the potter's wheel."
• verb
To work, knead, and mix clay or loam with water to bring it to a workable, plastic condition for ceramics or brickmaking.
"The artisan used a specialized machine to pug the clay and remove any trapped air bubbles."
To pack a space, such as between floorboards or within walls, with clay, mortar, or sawdust to dampen sound or provide insulation.
"They decided to pug the wooden floorboards to reduce the noise traveling to the apartment below."
• Rhymes for pug
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The term for the dog breed emerged in the mid-16th century, originally as a term of endearment that was later applied to monkeys and eventually to the dog breed due to its facial resemblance. 'Pug' meaning boxer is a late 19th-century abbreviation of 'pugilist', derived from the Latin 'pugil'. The origin of 'pug' meaning clay is unknown.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.