地毯 (dì tǎn) literally combines 地 (dì, 'ground' or 'floor') and 毯 (tǎn, 'blanket' or 'rug'), meaning a thick fabric covering laid on the floor for warmth, comfort, decoration, or sound absorption. It is a common household item found in living rooms, bedrooms, hotels, and offices — often made of wool, nylon, or synthetic fibers.

Unlike smaller floor coverings like 席子 (xí zi, 'mat') or 地垫 (dì diàn, 'door mat'), 地毯 typically covers a substantial portion of the floor and is usually fixed or semi-permanent. It carries connotations of comfort, luxury, or formality, especially when used in traditional or high-end settings. The word is neutral in register and used in both spoken and written Chinese without regional variation.