1 B1 informal
To carry a heavy, awkward, or cumbersome object into a room or building with noticeable effort.
"We had to lug in all the boxes of supplies before the store opened."
separable
lug in
B1 informal separable transitive
To carry something heavy or bulky indoors or into a space with considerable effort.
In plain English
To carry something really heavy inside, like when you struggle to bring big boxes into your house.
What does "lug in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To bring something undesirable or burdensome into a situation or space.
"Why did you lug in all that extra paperwork? We're trying to keep this meeting short."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Lug' means to carry with effort; 'in' indicates direction into an enclosed space. The meaning is transparent.
Actually means
To carry something really heavy inside, like when you struggle to bring big boxes into your house.
Usage tip
Informal and colloquial. The verb 'lug' already implies difficulty and heavy weight, so 'lug in' adds the directional element of moving something inside. Common in everyday spoken English. Often used with large or awkward objects like furniture, groceries, equipment.
Words that pair with "lug in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
boxes furniture groceries equipment suitcase bags
How to conjugate "lug in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lug in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lugs in
he/she/it
Past simple
luged in
yesterday
Past participle
luged in
have + pp
-ing form
luging in
continuous
Hear "lug in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lug in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "lug in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.