Matthew

American  

[math-yoo] / ˈmæθ yu /

noun

1. one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, believed to be the author of the first Gospel: originally called Levi.

2. (in the New Testament) the first Gospel. Matt.

3. a male given name.

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Matthew British  

/ ˈmæθjuː /

noun

1. a tax collector of Capernaum called by Christ to be one of the 12 apostles (Matthew 9:9–13; 10:3). Feast day: Sept 21 or Nov 16

2. the first Gospel, traditionally ascribed to him

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Etymology

Origin of Matthew

From Old French Mathieu, from Late Latin Matthaeus, from Greek Matthaîos, Maththaîos, from Aramaic Mattāi, shortening of Hebrew Mattityāh(ū), Mattanyāh(ū) “Gift of Yahweh”

Example Sentences

In light of the academic fascination with diversity, Matthew Avery Sutton’s “Chosen Land” is noteworthy for confining its attention to Christianity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

While from time to time, like Matthew Arnold a century before, she professed to see some virtue in the lower classes, she reserved most of her literary barbs for the middle class.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Lead author and research fellow, Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, emphasized that walking is not a complete solution to excessive sitting.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Matthew Botley, head of operations at Kentish Mayde, says he can see a time when the puddings will "get forgotten as a British food".

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

“He carried this picture with him everywhere he went, Matthew did.”

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan