Synonyms

welcome mat

American

noun

a doormat, especially one with the word “welcome” printed on it.

idioms

put out the welcome mat, to extend a hearty welcome.

The club put out the welcome mat for new members.

welcome mat More Idioms

A friendly welcome, as in They put out the welcome mat for all new members. This expression alludes to a doormat with the word “Welcome” printed on it. [Mid-1900]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

welcome mat

They might be poseurs tossing around references to Ginsberg and Bukowski, but the welcome mat the group offers Ed is enticing and inspiring.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

But the finance minister, who’s been instrumental in Zug’s transformation, now wants to pull up the welcome mat with the population cap.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

It’s emblazoned right on the welcome mat: Um estilo de vida.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026

Spurs had finally agreed a deal after long negotiations and had the welcome mat ready until the Gunners stepped in to snatch the boyhood Arsenal fan, who was at the club until he was 13.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2025

I kick my shoes off beside the welcome mat, among the strappy sandals and brightly colored sneakers.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023