1. a flat piece of material used as a floor covering or to protect a surface
2. a small piece of material placed under dishes, glasses, or other items on a table
3. a thick padded surface used for gymnastics, wrestling, or other sports

1. to become tangled in a thick mass
2. to cover with mats or matting

Examples

• She wiped her feet on the doormat before entering.
• The yoga instructor rolled out her exercise mat.
• Please use a mat under your hot coffee cup.
• The wrestlers practiced on thick safety mats.
• Her hair was matted from sleeping.
• The dog’s fur mats easily if not brushed regularly.
• They matted the floor with bamboo coverings.