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Placemat - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A placemat is a protective or decorative mat placed on a dining table under plates or bowls. It helps keep the table clean and adds style to the table setting.

placemat

/ˈpleɪsˌmæt/ /ˈpleɪsmæt/

Definition:

A protective mat placed under a dish or plate during meals.

Synonyms:

table mat, coaster, doily

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

bare table, uncovered surface

Common Collocations:

set the placemat, wash the placemat, embroidered placemat

Derivatives:

placemats, placematting

Usage Tips:

Use a placemat to protect tables from spills and heat damage during meals.

Common Phrases:

on the placemat, under the placemat, wipe the placemat

Etymology:

Derived from "place" + "mat," first used in the early 20th century for table protection.

Examples:

  • 1. She bought a new placemat for the dining table.
  • 2. The colorful placemat brightened up the breakfast setting.
  • 3. Always clean spills off your placemat immediately.
  • 4. He folded the fabric placemat neatly after dinner.

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