matilda

[ muh-til-duh ]

/ məˈtɪl də /

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noun Australian.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of matilda

First recorded in 1890–95; special use of proper name Matilda

Words nearby matilda

Matholwch, maths, Mathura, Mathusala, Matie, matilda, Matilija poppy, matin, matinée, matinée coat, matinée idol

Other definitions for matilda (2 of 2)

Matilda

[ muh-til-duh; for 3 also Italian mah-teel-dah ]

/ məˈtɪl də; for 3 also Italian mɑˈtil dɑ /

noun

Also called Maud

[mawd] /mɔd/ .1102–67, empress of the Holy Roman Empire 1114–25; queen of England 1141 (daughter of Henry I of England).

Military. a 26½-ton British tank of early World War II, having a crew of four and armed with a 40 mm gun.

Also Ma·til·de

[muh-til-duh; French ma-teeld; Italian mah-teel-de]. /məˈtɪl də; French maˈtild; Italian mɑˈtil dɛ/. a female given name.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use matilda in a sentence

Though it’s probably the truest book-to-movie adaptation, the Sorcerer’s Stone, with its Matilda-esque tone, doesn’t live up to the power of the rest of the series.
All the Harry Potter Movies, Ranked|Eliana Dockterman|October 28, 2021|Time
Matilda told me she was only interested in one niche of TikTok.
The Economist’s Guide to Parenting: 10 Years Later (Ep. 479)|Stephen J. Dubner|October 21, 2021|Freakonomics
I asked Matilda — 12-year-old Matilda — to name some of the things her parents did that she would be sure to copy if or when she has kids.
The Economist’s Guide to Parenting: 10 Years Later (Ep. 479)|Stephen J. Dubner|October 21, 2021|Freakonomics
Here’s Matilda, not even two years old, with Ellen, the family’s nanny.
The Economist’s Guide to Parenting: 10 Years Later (Ep. 479)|Stephen J. Dubner|October 21, 2021|Freakonomics

To many, Roald Dahl is the genius behind some of the world’s most beloved children’s books, including Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and The BFG.
What to Know About Children's Author Roald Dahl's Controversial Legacy|Megan McCluskey|March 18, 2021|Time
The last play with this pedigree was Matilda, still going strong a year and a half later.
Fall Broadway Preview: 'This Is Our Youth,' Bradley Cooper as ‘The Elephant Man,' and More|Janice Kaplan|September 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But voters are more likely to go for Gabriel Ebert, who plays Mr. Wormwood in Matilda the Musical with bitter fun.
Who’ll Win a 2013 Tony Award—and Who Deserves To|Janice Kaplan|June 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Mara Wilson The Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire actress, now 26, has been very candid about why she left Hollywood behind.
The Amanda Bynes Meltdown: What Former Child Stars Are Saying|Kevin Fallon|June 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Among the musical honorees lie Matilda, The Musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Pippin, and Kinky Boots.
Amanda Seyfried Nabs Givenchy Campaign; Vogue UK Gets a Little Sister|The Fashion Beast Team|May 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
When she started filming Matilda, her mom was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer.
‘Matilda’ Star Mara Wilson Reviews ‘Matilda the Musical’|Ramin Setoodeh|April 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Matilda Street is essentially a shy neighbourhood—perhaps that is why the tenant of number 13 has chosen it as his residence.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3)|Charles James Wills
Matilda Street, being in the heart of St. Luke's, naturally contains many fanciers.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3)|Charles James Wills
I need scarcely add, that Miss Matilda Griffin wos the offspring of his fust marritch.
Memoirs of Mr. Charles J. Yellowplush|William Makepeace Thackeray
Miss Matilda Griffin was a good deal uglier, and about as amiable as her mother-in-law.
Memoirs of Mr. Charles J. Yellowplush|William Makepeace Thackeray
Miss Matilda's eyes sparkled as master came in; she pinted gracefully to a place on the sofy beside her, which Deuceace took.
Memoirs of Mr. Charles J. Yellowplush|William Makepeace Thackeray

British Dictionary definitions for matilda (1 of 2)

Matilda¹

/ (məˈtɪldə) /

noun Australian informal

a bushman's swag

waltz Matilda or walk Matilda to travel the road carrying one's swag

Word Origin for Matilda

C20: from the Christian name

British Dictionary definitions for matilda (2 of 2)

Matilda²

/ (məˈtɪldə) /

noun

known as the Empress Maud. 1102–67, only daughter of Henry I of England and wife of Geoffrey of Anjou. After her father's death (1135) she unsuccessfully waged a civil war with Stephen for the English throne; her son succeeded as Henry II

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012