matte

¹ American  

[mat] / mæt /

Or mat,

adjective

1. having a dull or lusterless surface.

   matte paint; a matte complexion; a photograph with a matte finish.

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noun

1. a dull or dead surface, often slightly roughened, as on metals, paint, paper, or glass.

2. a tool for producing such a surface.

3. Metallurgy. an unfinished metallic product of the smelting of certain sulfide ores, especially those of copper.

4. Movies. matte shot.

verb (used with object)

matted, matting

1. to finish with a matte surface.

matte ² American  

[mat] / mæt /

noun

Mining.

1. a mass of timber caved beneath overburden so as to cushion the fall of the overburden and separate it from mineral to be extracted beneath.

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matte ¹ British  

/ mæt /

noun

1. an impure fused material consisting of metal sulphides produced during the smelting of a sulphide ore

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matte ² British  

/ mæt /

noun

1. films television a mask used to blank out part of an image so that another image can be superimposed

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Etymology

Origin of matte¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from French mat (masculine), matte (feminine), Old French, from Late Latin mattus “moist, soft, weak,” perhaps from unattested maditus, derivative of Latin madēre “to be wet”

Origin of matte²

< German; akin to mat ¹

Explanation

Matte things aren't shiny, but instead have a somewhat dull or flat surface. When you print out a photo, you can usually choose between a glossy or matte finish. The matte surface of your new refrigerator doesn't reflect your image the way your old shiny stainless steel one did, and your grandmother's excessive use of face powder gives her skin a matte look. Wall paint can be purchased in different finishes, ranging from matte (or flat) to glossy. The French root is mat, "dead, dull surface," from the Old French meaning, "dull or dejected," which may stem from the Latin mattus, "maudlin with drink."

Example Sentences

"Ants reduce per-worker investment in one of the most nutritionally expensive tissues for the good of the collective," Matte explained.

From Science Daily • Dec. 22, 2025

The final room of the exhibit is designed for reflection and includes a life-sized bronze statue of Jesus created by Italian artist Luigi Enzo Matte, according to the dimensions of the image on the shroud.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

They also herald the arrival of Chotto Matte, a high-end global restaurant chain, now serving Japanese Peruvian food from a stunning rooftop perch above a former Macy’s store.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2023

"Walls should ideally be primed with a premium eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paint. Matte finishes can be a bit trickier, as the adhesive can bond and pull off the paint."

From Salon • Jul. 28, 2022

Matte dendî hai mân tain nûn, putar: gin gin jholî ghat!

From Tales of the Punjab by Steel, Flora Annie

Related Words

• cloudy
• cold
• dark
• dim
• dismal
• flat
• hazy
• lifeless
• muddy
• muted
• obscure
• soft
• somber
• subdued