doormat

noun

door·​mat ˈdȯr-ˌmat How to pronounce doormat (audio)
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.
Chabert stars as Sara, a classic doormat who spends her days fetching coffee, doing her colleagues’ work, and letting her boss take credit for her ideas. Janey Tracey, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024 Outside of their tightknit bond, however, is a world full of complications, from Ben’s roommate Tyler (Zach Zucker), who treats him like a doormat, to Jamie’s roommate Kelly (Olivia Nikkanen), whose multiple attempts to pull her out of her shell have failed. Courtney Howard, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 In addition to being functional, the doormat also features a classic design that is perfect for the holiday season. Rachel Trujillo, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024 The Lions, long the doormat in the division, are rolling with a league-high 11-game winning streak, having already clinched their third consecutive winning season under Dan Campbell. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near doormat

Cite this Entry

“Doormat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doormat. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on doormat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!