1
: having a rough uneven surface : jagged
rugged mountains
2
a
: seamed with wrinkles and furrows : weathered
—used of a human face
b
: showing facial signs of strength
rugged good looks
3
a
: presenting a severe test of ability, stamina, or resolution
b
: strongly built or constituted : robust
those that survive are stalwart, rugged men—
L. D. Stamp
L. D. Stamp
ruggedly
adverb
ruggedness
noun
Examples of rugged in a Sentence
the rugged surface of the moon
She did a painting of the region's rugged coastline.
People are attracted to his rugged good looks.
I admire her rugged individualism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Groups were scaling the 30-foot steel border fence with rope ladders, or crawling through gaps sawed into the old steel mesh fencing, hundreds of people a day in a 20-mile stretch starting at the rugged mountainside of Mt. Cristo Rey.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 26 May 2025
After a rugged childhood without electricity or indoor plumbing, Robertson earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech University.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 May 2025
Ravens are more commonly found in remote, rugged areas such as mountains and forests, while crows are more adaptable to urban environments and agricultural areas.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Whether your ideal trip includes relaxed outings, rugged adventures, or a blend of both, Telluride Central Reservations can tailor a package specific to your tastes and interests.
—AFAR Media, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rugged
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 26 May 2025
After a rugged childhood without electricity or indoor plumbing, Robertson earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech University.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 May 2025
Ravens are more commonly found in remote, rugged areas such as mountains and forests, while crows are more adaptable to urban environments and agricultural areas.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Whether your ideal trip includes relaxed outings, rugged adventures, or a blend of both, Telluride Central Reservations can tailor a package specific to your tastes and interests.
—AFAR Media, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rugged
Cite this Entry
“Rugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rugged. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rugged
adjective
rug·ged
ˈrəg-əd 
1
: having a rough uneven surface
hiking on rugged trails
the rugged surface of the moon
2
: having wrinkles or uneven features
their rugged faces
rugged good looks
3
: having a rough but strong or sturdy character
rugged pioneers
4
: involving hardship : presenting a severe test of physical, mental, or moral strength
a rugged winter
rugged training
the rugged life of a sailor
5
: being strong and tough
rugged enough to stand hard use
ruggedly
adverb
ruggedness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share