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Meaning & use

a rut

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ə rʌt/
US/ə rʌt/

Meanings

  1. nouncountablefigurative

    A boring routine that is hard to change, making life feel stuck and the same every day.

    Grammar: Usually singular in this sense: in a rut, stuck in a rut.

    Patterns

    • be in a rut
    • get stuck in a rut
    • get out of a rut

    After ten years in the same job, he felt he was in a rut.

    She joined a painting class to get out of a rut and meet new people.

    We were stuck in a rut, eating the same meals and watching the same shows every week.

  2. nouncountable

    A deep narrow track made in the ground by wheels, especially one that is hard to drive out of.

    Grammar: Often plural: the car's wheels sank into ruts.

    Patterns

    • in a rut
    • a deep rut
    • the wheels fall into a rut

    The truck's wheels got stuck in a deep rut on the muddy road.

    Rain had worn ruts along the edge of the field.

    He steered carefully to avoid the ruts in the track.

  3. nouncountabletechnical

    A period when a male deer or similar animal is sexually active and behaves aggressively.

    Grammar: Technical and usually singular: the rut, in rut.

    Patterns

    • in rut
    • the rutting season

    During the rut, male deer fight for control of the herd.

    The stag was in rut and would not leave the area.

    Wildlife photographers visit the park in the rut to hear the deer calling.

Word forms

pluralruts

Common combinations

stuck in a rut
He felt stuck in a rut and wanted a fresh start.
get out of a rut
Taking a short trip helped her get out of a rut.
a deep rut
The cart left a deep rut in the soft earth.
the rutting season
Deer are noisy during the rutting season.

Synonyms and how they differ

routine
A routine is a usual way of doing things; it is neutral and not necessarily boring, unlike a rut.
groove
In the phrase 'stuck in a groove', it is similar, but groove is less common and can also mean a good rhythm.
trench
A trench is a long narrow hole; it is much deeper and wider than a rut.

Word family

rutted adjective
Full of deep tracks or ruts, as in a rutted road.
rutting adjective
Relating to the mating period of deer, as in the rutting season.

Commonly confused: a rut or route?

a rut vs route

Route means a way or path you take; a rut is a track worn into the ground or a boring routine.

Practice

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