noun
Common
mat
mat
Mat (noun) means a flat piece of material laid on a floor to wipe feet, protect a surface, or decorate. Example: “Wipe your shoes on the mat before coming inside.”
noun
1
A flat piece of material laid on a floor to wipe feet, protect a surface, or decorate.
"Wipe your shoes on the mat before coming inside."
"A yoga mat cushioned her knees during practice."
"We bought a woven mat to put outside the front door."
2
A small pad placed under a hot dish or drink to protect a surface.
"Use a mat under the coffee pot so it doesn't scorch the table."
"Please put a mat under the hot casserole dish."
"The table has cork mats for every place setting."
verb
1
To tangle into a thick, dense clump.
"The dog's fur had matted after weeks without grooming."
"Wet leaves had matted together in the gutter after the storm."
"His hair mats easily if he never brushes it."
How to use mat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flat covering you step, sit, or place things on — or, as a verb, hair/fibers tangling into a clump.
Common pairings
welcome mat
yoga mat
hair matted together
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Word forms
- Plural
- mats
- Third person singular
- mats
- Past tense
- matted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Wipe your shoes on the _____ before coming inside.
Etymology
From Old English meatte, ultimately from Late Latin matta ("mat woven from rushes").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “mat” mean?
The word “mat” means a flat piece of material laid on a floor to wipe feet, protect a surface, or decorate. In plain terms, a flat covering you step, sit, or place things on — or, as a verb, hair/fibers tangling into a clump.
How do you pronounce “mat”?
“Mat” is pronounced mat (/mæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “mat” in a sentence?
Here is “mat” used in a sentence: “Wipe your shoes on the mat before coming inside.”
What part of speech is “mat”?
Depending on how it is used, “mat” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mat” come from?
The word “mat” comes from Late Latin. From Old English meatte, ultimately from Late Latin matta ("mat woven from rushes").
Is “mat” a common word?
“Mat” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mat” have?
“Mat” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flat piece of material laid on a floor to wipe feet, protect a surface, or decorate.
What is the difference between a mat and a rug?
A mat is typically a smaller, functional piece of material used for a specific purpose, such as wiping feet at a door or protecting a surface under a hot dish. A rug is usually larger and placed primarily for decoration or comfort underfoot, covering a wider area of floor.
What does it mean when hair mats?
As a verb, mat means to tangle into a thick, dense clump, as when hair or fur becomes matted from moisture, friction, or lack of grooming. It describes fibers binding together so tightly that they are difficult to separate.
What is a mat used for besides floors?
Beyond floor mats, the word also describes small pads placed under hot dishes or drinks to protect a table or counter surface. Mats are also used in sports, such as wrestling or yoga, to provide a cushioned surface.
