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”; lug ¹

Origin of lug³

By shortening

Origin of lug⁴

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

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

If I can lug her over to the nearest wall I can prop her up, dust her off a litde, think how to get away.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

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