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n. 1. a. A thick heavy covering for a floor, usually made of woven wool or synthetic fibers, especially one covering the entire surface of the floor. b. The fabric used for this floor covering. 2. A surface or surface covering that is similar to a rug: a carpet of leaves and pine needles on the forest floor. tr.v. car·pet·ed, car·pet·ing, car·pets Idiom: To cover with or as if with a carpet: carpet the stairs; snow that carpeted the sidewalks. on the carpet 1. In a position of being reprimanded by one in authority: was called on the carpet for cheating. 2. Under discussion or consideration: Important matters will be on the carpet at today's meeting. [Middle English, from Old French carpite, from Medieval Latin carpīta, from Old Italian carpita, from carpire, to pluck, from Latin carpere; see kerp- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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