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

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Doormat Show your family’s love for the iconic National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with this whimsical doormat. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

That familiar chant hasn’t been yelled with too much optimism in years for fans of the NFL’s perennial doormat – the New York Jets. —Jay Woods, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025

Don’t be a doormat, but do be patient. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 5 Dec. 2025

As a durable and washable rug brand, Ruggable is one of our favorite destinations for outdoor rugs, kids rugs, and even the occasional doormat or entryway piece. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

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