doormat

noun

door·​mat ˈdȯr-ˌmat How to pronounce doormat (audio)
1
: a mat placed before or inside a door for wiping dirt from the shoes
2
: one that submits without protest to abuse or indignities
3
: a team that regularly finishes last

Examples of doormat in a Sentence

She was tired of being a doormat and decided it was time to stand up for herself. a doormat who always gave in to his father's demands
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.
Lastly Florida as the smallest and poorest team was the doormat by a fair margin, to no real surprise. Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 The softball program at University High has been a doormat for years, but this season there will be a welcome mat in front of one of the dugouts in the CIF Southern Section championships. Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 25 May 2025 This 89 percent-off indoor doormat has clever grooves to catch dirt and debris but is still soft underfoot, while this four-person outdoor dining set is made of rot- and mold-resistant acacia wood that will last for years. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 22 July 2025 Of course, seasonal wreaths, doormats, outdoor lighting, and a fresh coat of paint on the front door are great places to start — but no outdoor space is complete without plants. Maggie Horton, People.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for doormat

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of doormat was in 1665

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Cite this Entry

“Doormat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doormat. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

doormat

noun
door·​mat -ˌmat How to pronounce doormat (audio)
: a mat placed before or inside a door for wiping dirt from the shoes

More from Merriam-Webster on doormat

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