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

• 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

Last but not least, the home features the coziest front porch, complete with eye-catching front and side railings, that can be transformed into the perfect space for unwinding with outdoor furniture, a porch swing, a set of string lights, and a stylish doormat, of course. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025

This pretty doormat is crafted with natural coconut coir material, which adds some warmth as well as character to the entryway. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025

No way this year’s defense is a doormat. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

At age 40, Matt Rhule flipped Temple from a doormat to a 10-win team that played for the American Conference championship. —Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 27 Aug. 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