1A covering placed on a floor or room surface, such as a carpet, rug, or carpeting.
冬はリビングに厚手の敷き物を敷くと暖かい。
In winter, laying a thick rug in the living room keeps it warm.
新しい敷き物を買って、部屋の雰囲気を変えた。
I bought a new carpet and changed the room's atmosphere.
玄関に小さな敷き物を置いて靴の泥を落とす。
Place a small mat at the entrance to wipe off mud from shoes.
2A mat, mattress, quilt, etc., spread on the floor or ground for sitting or sleeping (e.g., futon, mat, picnic sheet).
ピクニックに行くときは、敷き物を忘れないでください。
When you go on a picnic, don't forget a ground sheet.
彼は夜勤の仮眠用に事務室に小さな敷き物を置いている。
He keeps a small mat in the office for naps during night shifts.
畳の上に敷き物を敷いて、その上で昼寝をした。
I spread a mat on the tatami and took a nap on it.
3A covering or cloth spread under objects; can mean a cloth cover, coaster, or small protective mat placed under items.
花瓶の下に敷き物を敷いてテーブルを保護した。
I placed a coaster under the vase to protect the table.
食器を並べる前に、テーブルに敷き物を敷いておくと便利だ。
It's handy to spread a cloth on the table before arranging dishes.