Definition of "welcome mat" [welcome mat]

• A mat, especially one having the word welcome on it, placed in front of a door to welcome visitors and to allow visitors a place to wipe their feet before entering. (noun)
• Warm hospitality accorded to a guest in order to provide a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere: The city put out the welcome mat for the new baseball team. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In the past, immigration occurred on America’s terms; the welcome mat could be extended selectively, on the basis of the immigrant’s skills or color or the needs of industry."