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

Perennial doormats, the Braves slowly attracted fans nationwide through their superstation exposure. —David Bauder, Fortune, 6 May 2026

He was best remembered at the helm of the Atlanta Braves, turning the doormats into postseason regulars by the 1990s. —David Bauder, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

Rather than a traditional doormat, Oprah opted for a longer runner-style option to cover the larger access point of her French double doors. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026

Between colorful doormats and minimalist styles, these spring-inspired finds add a splash of beauty and practicality. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 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