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

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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

See Examples For:

matte matted matting

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

Marked by veils of heavily diluted color that are rubbed into the canvas weave to create a weightless, matte effect, its soft, evanescent surface was intended to read, Whistler said, “like breath on glass.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 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

On and on they flew, over countryside parceled out in patches of green and brown, over roads and rivers winding through the landscape like strips of matte and glossy ribbon.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

However, many dogs were found with "matted and crusted coats" that required treatment.

From BBC ● Apr. 9, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2025

The job was messy because recent rains had created a muddy scene for the volunteers who had to collect the bunnies, most of which had matted fur.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 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

A woman with long nut-brown hair, one lock at the temple matted with red ochre.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

The UAW said grievances have been filed about problems with ventilation fans, ergonomic matting, personal protective equipment, flooding, basement lighting, oil leaks and other issues.

From Seattle Times ● May 6, 2024

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

It said the firm "did not extend the crash matting needed to mitigate the consequences of an unintended fall following changes to the set and the sequence of the stunt".

From BBC ● Nov. 24, 2023

Families pick the type of frame and matting and then a professional framer gets started.

From New York Times ● Oct. 8, 2022

Then beyond where the road was not protected by the hills it was screened by matting on the sides and over the top.

From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway

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Related Words

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