doormat

noun

door·​mat ˈdȯr-ˌmat 

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

Synonyms of doormat

• coward
• reed

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

No potted flowers, no beloved little items outside our front door, no garden flags and even no doormats! — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

The doormats feature a range of design styles from rustic farmhouse to colorful and playful. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026

The Indiana Hoosiers have been a recruiting doormat for the entire existence of industry rankings and recruiting services. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Alexandra Iordanou, the founder of Alex Jordyn Interiors, cautions against using too-small doormats or runners. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for doormat

• begat
• bobcat
• chitchat
• ducat
• eclat
• format
• hazmat
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat
• tomcat

Kids Definition

doormat

noun

door·​mat -ˌmat 

: a mat placed before or inside a door for wiping dirt from the shoes