mat

Examples

• All

• Since most fine prints are matted, the inside edge of the mat serves as a kind of surrogate border.

  Academic text (2007)

• The artist chose a simple black mat to enhance the vibrant colors of her painting.

• It's probably the ancient equivalent of a welcome mat...

  The Magic Roundabout (2004)

• The target may be marked on a wall or canvas against a mat hung on the wall.

  Academic text (1990)

• I pry my boots off and push them close to the door, onto the welcome mat.

  Fiction book (1997)

• There was a lace mat on the dining room table with a cut-glass vase on it.

  Fiction book (1993)

• I followed George through the front door (first stamping my moonboots on the mat, as he specified) and up the narrow, creaky wooden staircase.

  Fiction book (2001)

• In his review of the Impressionist exhibition of 1880, J.-K. Huysmans noted that Pissarro's prints were exhibited with yellow mats and bordered by purple frames.

  Academic text (1991)

• When framing her favorite photograph, she selected a wide mat to create a striking backdrop.

• He decided on a textured mat that would complement the landscape photograph perfectly.

Synonyms

M

matting

vsmat

• Specialized

1 6.1

A paper or card border put around a picture to protect it and make it stand out

is mainly decorative and used to enhance appearance rather than support

M

mat board

vsmat

1 3.9

A stiff flat board you put around a picture inside a frame to protect and show it

is a decorative border layer to improve appearance rather than mount or support

Idioms

G

to go to the mat

• Informal

5 7.6

Argue strongly to protect an idea or position

R

to roll out the welcome mat

• Informal

1 4.8

Make someone feel very welcome by giving special care

C

to called on the mat

• Archaic

8.9

To have a boss or leader tell you off for doing something wrong

Compounds

W

welcome mat

10 1.7

A small mat outside a door for wiping shoes and greeting visitors

B

bath mat

4 1.0

A small rug on the bathroom floor that soaks up water and keeps you from slipping

P

prayer mat

2 2.5

A small rug Muslims kneel on when they pray

G

gym mat

1 1.6

A thick pad on the floor that makes landings softer and safer

W

wrestling mat

1 2.8

A thick padded surface that wrestlers use to avoid injury when they fall

B

beer mat

• UK

1 1.8

A small mat that you put under a glass of beer to stop drips

M

mat board

1 3.9

A stiff flat board you put around a picture inside a frame to protect and show it

P

place mat

1 1.2

A small mat under a person's plate that protects the table and decorates it

D

drip mat

3.7

A small mat placed under a glass to protect a table or counter from water

M

mat rep

• Jargon

8.2

One time you do an exercise on a mat

M

mouse mat

• UK

2.5

A small pad under a computer mouse that helps it move smoothly

S

sea mat

9.9

A group of small animals that grow like underwater moss on rocks or seaweed

T

table mat

• UK

1.1

A small flat pad that goes under plates to protect the table from heat and scratches

W

water mat

• US

9.9

A water plant with yellow flowers that grows at pond edges in western and central United States

W

water mat

3.1

A flat mat that floats on water for sitting, lying, or playing

Surface Forms

Etymology