matte
1 Americanadjective
noun
-
a dull or dead surface, often slightly roughened, as on metals, paint, paper, or glass.
-
a tool for producing such a surface.
-
Metallurgy. an unfinished metallic product of the smelting of certain sulfide ores, especially those of copper.
-
Movies. matte shot.
verb (used with object)
noun
noun
noun
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."
Vocabulary lists containing matte
Pet
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Firekeeper's Daughter
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Monday's Not Coming
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
They brought in minimalist and retro aesthetics, and matte finishes, to craft packaging that read as upscale, making for clean, consistent visuals across aisles.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026
The matte surface of the interior 7.6-inch screen minimizes reflections to hide it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
Skinner recommends matte or sweat-proof SPF to help your make-up last longer.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
Plush toy versions of his cats and monkey characters sit on recently upholstered matte orange, cream and red booths.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026
After talking through the various options, Vivian—who as far as anyone knows has never so much as nudged awake an electronic keyboard—decides to order the same matte silver thirteen-inch laptop Molly has.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
The schoolhouse is a dull, matted red, as are other architectural elements.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2025
Joan held her much-longed-for daughter for only for a few minutes – she remembers gazing at the newborn’s red face and matted hair.
From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2024
Tattered curtains, matted carpets and missing shower heads were replaced.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 15, 2024
As erosion slows, marsh and streamside vegetation is rebounding and putting down densely matted root systems that can increasingly stand firm against flooding, or surging waves.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 31, 2024
Lloyd picked burs out of J.W.’s matted pelt.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
The rabbits appeared well fed, but the majority are longhaired, meaning they should not have been kept outdoors and require daily brushing to avoid painful matting of the fur, Hadzimuratovic said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2024
Wearing skullcaps, about 60 kneeled in the sun on green matting spread over bits of scrubby brown vegetation.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 20, 2023
An England XI featuring Nasser Hussain and Alec Stewart lost by three runs chasing 177 in Amstelveen in 1989 on a sodden matting pitch.
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2023
Families pick the type of frame and matting and then a professional framer gets started.
From New York Times ● Oct. 8, 2022
At the top of the staircase, a drab corridor stretched out ahead, with rough coconut matting on the floor.
From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
