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

Instead of asking guests to drop their shoes at the door, the etiquette pro suggests a quality doormat, an attractive and absorbent rug in the entry, and a landing spot for coats and umbrellas just inside the door. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025

That was like leaving the keys under the doormat of the world's most famous museum. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 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. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025

Limit lead dust by removing shoes before entering the home and using doormats inside and outside. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 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