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

"The tradeoff between quantity and quality is all around. It's in the food you eat, the books you read, the offspring you want to raise," Matte said.

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

A pair of quality reserves, left guard Nate Kalepo and center Matte Mele, each consistently spelled the starters this season and could effortlessly assume more significant roles.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2022

"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 Enamel, medium weight; Enameled, medium weight; Velvet, medium weight.

From Bromide Printing and Enlarging A Practical Guide to the Making of Bromide Prints by Contact and Bromide Enlarging by Daylight and Artificial Light, With the Toning of Bromide Prints and Enlargements by Tennant, John A.

Related Words

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