variants
or less commonly mat
or matt
: lacking or deprived of luster (see luster entry 1 sense 1) or gloss: such as
a
: having a usually smooth even surface free from shine or highlights
matte metals
a matte finish
b
: having a rough or granular (see granular sense 1) surface
1
: a crude mixture of sulfides formed in smelting sulfide ores of metals (such as copper, lead, or nickel)
2
: a movie effect in which part of a scene is blocked out and later replaced by footage containing other material (such as a background painting)
Examples of matte in a Sentence
Adjective
a photograph with a matte finish
I chose a paint with a matte finish so the walls wouldn't be too shiny.
Recent Examples on the Web
Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
But unlike most matte lip products, this viral formula doesn't feel drying on the lips, courtesy of a whole host of skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E, cotton seed oil, green tea oil and mango oil.
—Denise Primbet, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2024
Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 2025
Of course, the matte finish of the blush and ultra-glossy lips, which were lined with the Kind Words Matte Lip Liner in the shade Talented, are the perfect antidote for those who are looking to divert from clean-girl makeup trends in spring 2025.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for matte
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Adjective
In one snap, their son, Bronze smiled in the front seat of a mini, matte black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
But unlike most matte lip products, this viral formula doesn't feel drying on the lips, courtesy of a whole host of skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E, cotton seed oil, green tea oil and mango oil.
—Denise Primbet, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
Its lightweight texture offers a smooth matte finish, blurring imperfections and leaving skin looking flawless without feeling heavy.
—Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 2025
Of course, the matte finish of the blush and ultra-glossy lips, which were lined with the Kind Words Matte Lip Liner in the shade Talented, are the perfect antidote for those who are looking to divert from clean-girl makeup trends in spring 2025.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for matte
Cite this Entry
“Matte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matte. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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