Matthew

American  

[math-yoo] / ˈmæθ yu /

noun

1. one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, believed to be the author of the first Gospel: originally called Levi.

2. (in the New Testament) the first Gospel. Matt.

3. a male given name.

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Matthew British  

/ ˈmæθjuː /

noun

1. a tax collector of Capernaum called by Christ to be one of the 12 apostles (Matthew 9:9–13; 10:3). Feast day: Sept 21 or Nov 16

2. the first Gospel, traditionally ascribed to him

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Etymology

Origin of Matthew

From Old French Mathieu, from Late Latin Matthaeus, from Greek Matthaîos, Maththaîos, from Aramaic Mattāi, shortening of Hebrew Mattityāh(ū), Mattanyāh(ū) “Gift of Yahweh”

Example Sentences

While from time to time, like Matthew Arnold a century before, she professed to see some virtue in the lower classes, she reserved most of her literary barbs for the middle class.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Former World Championship runners-up Barry Hawkins and Matthew Stevens went head-to-head in the evening session with Welshman Stevens taking the opener on the black 61-57 after he had been 57-0 behind.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

For nearly a century, however, U.S. presidents and popes have stuck to a strategic partnership, focusing on shared priorities, author Matthew Sutton writes this week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Lead author and research fellow, Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, emphasized that walking is not a complete solution to excessive sitting.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

On April 5, during a break in the trial, Judge Matthew Byrne strolled along a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Richard Nixon’s San Clemente home.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin