matting

¹ American  

[mat-ing] / ˈmæt ɪŋ /

noun

1. a coarse fabric of rushes, grass, straw, hemp, or the like, used for floor covering, wrapping material, etc.

2. material for mats.

3. mats collectively.

4. the making of mats.

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matting ² American  

[mat-ing] / ˈmæt ɪŋ /

noun

1. a dull, slightly roughened surface, free from polish, produced by the use of a matte.

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matting ¹ British  

/ ˈmætɪŋ /

noun

1. a coarsely woven fabric, usually made of a natural fibre such as straw or hemp and used as a floor covering, packing material, etc

2. the act or process of making mats

3. material for mats

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matting ² British  

/ ˈmætɪŋ /

noun

1. another word for mat 2

2. the process of producing a mat finish

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Etymology

Origin of matting¹

First recorded in 1675–85; mat ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of matting²

First recorded in 1680–90; matte ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

It has seen the installation of a new drainage system and protective matting, with the local authority saying this has "removed the immediate risk" to homes below.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2025

Rabbit adopters must perform perpetual grooming to keep the rabbit’s fur from matting and must keep a close eye on the bunnies’ diet and poops.

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

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

From New York Times • Oct. 8, 2022

A strip of coconut-palm matting ran down the center of the wide hall.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• carpeting
• rug
• tapestry