a piece of thick fabric used as a covering for an area of floor, e.g. a doormat or a bathmat
a relatively thin usu decorative piece of material used to protect a surface, e.g. from heat, moisture, or scratches
a relatively thin usu decorative piece of material, e.g. cork or plastic, used under an object, esp to protect a surface, e.g. from heat, moisture, or scratches
a mouse mat
a large thick pad or cushion used as a surface for wrestling, tumbling, and gymnastics
a mass of intertwined or tangled strands
on the mat
informal in trouble; due to be punished
[Old English meatte from late Latin matta]