mat

Definition

A flat piece of coarse material used for wiping one’s feet, or as a decorative or protective floor covering.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English matte (“mat”), from Old English meatte (“mat”), from Late Latin matta (“mat made of rushes”), from Punic or Phoenician (compare Hebrew מיטה \ מִטָּה (mitá, “bed, couch”)). Cognate with German Matte (“mat”), Danish måtte (“mat”), Faroese and Icelandic motta (“rug, mat”), Norwegian matte (“mat, rug”), Swedish matta (“carpet, rug, mat”).

Example Sentences

• "Wipe your feet on the mat before coming in."
• "They put mats on the table during mealtimes."
• "The high jumper cleared the bar and landed safely on the mat."