matted

¹ American  

[mat-id] / ˈmæt ɪd /

adjective

1. covered with a dense growth or a tangled mass.

   a garden matted with weeds.

2. formed into a mat; entangled in a thick mass.

   matted hair.

3. formed of mats, or of plaited or woven material.

4. covered with mats or matting.

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matted ² American  

[mat-id] / ˈmæt ɪd /

adjective

1. having a dull finish; matte.

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matted British  

/ ˈmætɪd /

adjective

1. tangled into a thick mass

   matted hair

2. covered with or formed of matting

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Other Word Forms

• mattedly adverb
• mattedness noun

Etymology

Origin of matted¹

First recorded in 1600–10; mat ¹ + -ed ²

Origin of matted²

First recorded in 1815–25; matte ¹ + -ed ²

Example Sentences

The schoolhouse is a dull, matted red, as are other architectural elements.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

Keeping dogs and other furry animals like cats well-groomed prevents the build-up of matted fur, which can make it harder for them to stay cool.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025

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

Her tangle of black matted hair is tied off her scrawny face with a bright beaded keffiyeh, but otherwise allowed to stick out however it likes.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell