1
: having a rough uneven surface : jagged
rugged mountains
the rugged surface of the moon
2
a
: seamed with wrinkles and furrows : weathered
—used of a human face
b
of a man's face
: having rough but attractive features
rugged good looks
3
a
: presenting a severe test of ability, stamina, or resolution
a long and rugged winter
a rugged climb
b
: strongly built or constituted : robust
… those that survive are stalwart, rugged men …—
L. D. Stamp
L. D. Stamp4
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
Isolated by its beautiful, rugged mountains, West Virginia sits entirely within Appalachia and has long been listed at the bottom of a laundry list of failings, including poor health and a lack of education.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Here, the sun cast stark, dramatic shadows across the moon’s steep cliffs, rugged ripples and seemingly bottomless craters.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Easily recognized for its dramatic scenery and rugged landscapes, Scotland is also among the rare few destinations that have made a single drink worth an entire trip.
—Alessandra Amodio, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
Tucked up against the northeast side of the rugged Julian Alps near the Austrian border, Lake Bled comes complete with a sweeping alpine panorama, a cliff-hanging medieval castle, a lazy lakeside promenade, and a fairy-tale island topped with a church.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rugged
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ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Here, the sun cast stark, dramatic shadows across the moon’s steep cliffs, rugged ripples and seemingly bottomless craters.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Easily recognized for its dramatic scenery and rugged landscapes, Scotland is also among the rare few destinations that have made a single drink worth an entire trip.
—Alessandra Amodio, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
Tucked up against the northeast side of the rugged Julian Alps near the Austrian border, Lake Bled comes complete with a sweeping alpine panorama, a cliff-hanging medieval castle, a lazy lakeside promenade, and a fairy-tale island topped with a church.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rugged
Cite this Entry
“Rugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rugged. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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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