doormat

noun

door·​mat ˈdȯr-ˌmat How to pronounce doormat (audio)
Synonyms of doormatnext
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.
Indiana, a longtime doormat of the Big Ten, went undefeated and won the national title, led by a transfer quarterback (who won the Heisman Trophy) and a roster full of transfers. Tim Rohan, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026 Add a seasonal wreath and update the doormat. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026 Other best practices include regular pet grooming, changing HVAC filters regularly, using doormats, and washing bedding weekly. Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026 Congress does not need to be a doormat. Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doormat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doormat. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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

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