place mat

noun

: a small often rectangular table mat on which a place setting is laid

Examples of place mat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Central Elementary fifth grader has tied warm blankets for people in need, made holiday place mats for Meals on Wheels, and crafted colorful dog toys for local animal shelters. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 Then, add place mats; Rezak notes that these should be simple enough not to overpower the table runner. Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 26 Nov. 2025 There are also two drawers below that can conceal kitchen essentials, like tablecloths and place mats. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025 Hamrah was inspired by Novels in Three Lines, by Félix Fénéon, and Coffee News, a long-running publication printed on diner place mats. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for place mat

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of place mat was in 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Place mat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/place%20mat. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

place mat

noun
: a small table mat on which a place setting is laid
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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