mat

mat · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A piece of coarse material placed on a floor for people to wipe their feet on.

  2. 2.

    A small piece of material placed under an object for protection or decoration.

  3. 3.

    A thick pad used in gymnastics, wrestling, or yoga.

  4. 4.

    A tangled mass of something.

  5. 5.

    (verb) To become tangled into a thick mass.

Forms

plural: mats

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    welcome mat — A doormat with a greeting; also figuratively, a warm reception
  • •
    go to the mat — To engage in a struggle or contest
  • •
    yoga mat — A cushioned mat used for yoga practice

Related words

See also: carpet, doormat, pad, rug
Synonyms: carpet, pad, rug

Etymology

From Old English meatte, from Late Latin matta ("mat made of rushes"), possibly from Phoenician or Punic origin.