lug

¹

[luhg]

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.

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

[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.

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 /

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

lug

²

/ 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

³

/ lʌɡ /

noun

1. nautical short for lugsail

lug

⁴

/ lʌɡ /

noun

1. short for lugworm

Other Word Forms

• unlugged 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

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

Origin of lug²

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

Origin of lug³

C16: origin uncertain

Example Sentences

“Not only do they volunteer their time, these are people who lug couches out of a canyon.”

From Los Angeles Times

For our final critique, I offered to help lug her sewing mannequin across campus.

From Los Angeles Times

Flying with children is always a challenge, from lugging strollers through security to making sure teddy doesn’t get left at the gate and dealing with with mid-flight meltdowns.

From Los Angeles Times

His wife Helen, who is also his caddie, had been planning a boat trip round the French Riviera, instead she has been lugging his bag round in the rain.

From BBC

They said lugging the boat would make for a difficult slog, but they were prepared to sacrifice for the cause.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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