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
Synonyms
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
Made from 100 percent goat suede, the mid-weight Bandera offers a classic, timeless look that blends rugged durability with natural softness.
—Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Truck Ford Ranger: Ford’s popular midsize pickup added a Raptor performance model this year, complementing the rugged looks, utility and advanced features.
Ram 1500: Ram’s flagship continues to raise the bar for full-size pickup design.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
But navigating the rugged African bush by foot isn’t for the faint of heart, either.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
They’re made from smooth leather, with a subtle grain to gives them that signature rugged look.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
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.
Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Truck Ford Ranger: Ford’s popular midsize pickup added a Raptor performance model this year, complementing the rugged looks, utility and advanced features.
Ram 1500: Ram’s flagship continues to raise the bar for full-size pickup design.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
But navigating the rugged African bush by foot isn’t for the faint of heart, either.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
They’re made from smooth leather, with a subtle grain to gives them that signature rugged look.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rugged
Dictionary Entries Near rugged
Cite this Entry
“Rugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rugged. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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