place mat
noun
: a small often rectangular table mat on which a place setting is laid
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Pair either with a jute place mat, or a bright blue Raffia version from Cabana Home Collection — and with Belgian linen napkins woven in Lithuania. 
New York Times, 21 July 2022 And worst of all are ones that are both oily and acidic — and a sharply different color than the place mat. Washington Post, 7 July 2021 Hummingbird Trellis, one of Chatsworth House’s most popular designs, gets a rich finish of genuine gold leaf, coated with layers of glossy lacquer, making this scene-stealing place mat practically impervious to stains and spills. Kara Nelson | Contributing Writer, NOLA.com, 15 Sep. 2020 For fancy takeout, place mats get placed and Aunt Carmen’s china comes out. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 23 Apr. 2020 In a 2019 study, for instance, researchers screened 34 common plastic products — including plastic wraps, bags, food containers, drink bottles and place mats — and found that 74 percent of them tested positive for potentially toxic chemicals. New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Also watch out for vinyl in anti-slip bathtub mats, baby play mats and place mats, and choose products made of other materials. New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Use it in table runners, bedding, curtains, place mats, hand towels and more to add muted colors and softness to any room. Mari-jane Williams, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2019 Here are some fresh ideas to toast the holidays using entertaining throwbacks.Embroidered linen and cotton place mats are not seen on the tables of most Americans these days. Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 13 Nov. 2019 See More
New York Times, 21 July 2022 And worst of all are ones that are both oily and acidic — and a sharply different color than the place mat. Washington Post, 7 July 2021 Hummingbird Trellis, one of Chatsworth House’s most popular designs, gets a rich finish of genuine gold leaf, coated with layers of glossy lacquer, making this scene-stealing place mat practically impervious to stains and spills. Kara Nelson | Contributing Writer, NOLA.com, 15 Sep. 2020 For fancy takeout, place mats get placed and Aunt Carmen’s china comes out. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 23 Apr. 2020 In a 2019 study, for instance, researchers screened 34 common plastic products — including plastic wraps, bags, food containers, drink bottles and place mats — and found that 74 percent of them tested positive for potentially toxic chemicals. New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Also watch out for vinyl in anti-slip bathtub mats, baby play mats and place mats, and choose products made of other materials. New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Use it in table runners, bedding, curtains, place mats, hand towels and more to add muted colors and softness to any room. Mari-jane Williams, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2019 Here are some fresh ideas to toast the holidays using entertaining throwbacks.Embroidered linen and cotton place mats are not seen on the tables of most Americans these days. Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 13 Nov. 2019 See More Word History
First Known Use
1928, in the meaning defined above