welcome mat

American  

noun

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

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idioms

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

   The club put out the welcome mat for new members.

welcome mat More Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

“Nice shoes!” read the welcome mat inside the CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon hotel—a fitting quip since I already knew I would be walking a lot to avoid expensive ride-shares and taxis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 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

The welcome mat for California sea lions has been rolled out in San Francisco, but is nowhere to be seen in La Jolla and many of the state’s fishing ports.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2024

That’s why, for its inaugural edition, the art fair Esther put out a welcome mat.

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

So even if Cecile showed up on Papa’s welcome mat, Big Ma wouldn’t swing the front door open.

From "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia