Mat

/mæt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A piece of fabric material, often thicker or with a texture, used to cover a surface or serve as a floor covering.

She placed a mat at the entrance to keep the floors clean.

A flat piece of material used as a base or support for something, such as a picture or photo.

He bought a new mat to frame his artwork.

A thin layer of material used for a specific purpose, often in sports or activities such as yoga.

I need to roll out my yoga mat before the class starts.

In games, a specified area or surface where a game is played or an event occurs.

The wrestling match was held on the mat in the gymnasium.

Middle English 'matte', from Old French 'matte', from Latin 'mānsus'.

welcome mat

A mat placed at the entrance to greet guests.

yoga mat

A mat specifically designed for yoga practice.

doormat

A mat at the entrance, often implying a person who allows others to take advantage of them.

rug

A floor covering, typically thicker than a mat.

carpet

A textile floor covering, usually extending wall-to-wall.

placemat

A mat placed under a dish to protect the surface beneath.

To mat down

After the rain, the grass was all matted down.

Mat it up

They decided to mat it up for the party with decorations.