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
The Cyclades are famed for postcard-perfect sunsets—while Crete offers rugged gorges and myth-laden palaces.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Made from rugged canvas, the shell will last a lifetime.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025
Adventure Mate uses a mixture of hardened tool steel, composite and aerospace-grade aluminum to create a powerful, rugged tool that weighs in under 5 lb (2.3 kg) inclusive of all the hard components (handle, axe/saw head and shovel head).
—New Atlas, 25 July 2025
The Thai military has since claimed that more than 100 Cambodian soldiers have been killed as fighting spread throughout their rugged border, spanning some 500 miles.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rugged
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Made from rugged canvas, the shell will last a lifetime.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025
Adventure Mate uses a mixture of hardened tool steel, composite and aerospace-grade aluminum to create a powerful, rugged tool that weighs in under 5 lb (2.3 kg) inclusive of all the hard components (handle, axe/saw head and shovel head).
—New Atlas, 25 July 2025
The Thai military has since claimed that more than 100 Cambodian soldiers have been killed as fighting spread throughout their rugged border, spanning some 500 miles.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 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 29 Jul. 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
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