matte

1 of 3

variants or matt

variant spellings of mat entry 3 sense 1

matte

2 of 3

adjective

ˈmat 

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

matte

3 of 3

noun

ˈmat 

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)

Synonyms

Adjective

• dim
• dull
• dulled
• flat
• lusterless

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

Adjective

In one snap, their son, Bronze, 2, smiles in the front seat of a mini, matte black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

The texture is airy and buttery, while the finish is natural without being completely matte. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2024

Noun

Use chalk paint for a sleek matte look or decoupage to add patterns and designs. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2024

This example is distinguished by its two-tiered Formula 1–inspired rear wing, as well as the exposed, matte carbon-fiber bodywork—finished in satin, believed to be a first for the factory. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French mat, from Old French, faded, defeated

Noun

French, from Middle French, crude metal, curdled milk, from feminine of mat thick, dull, matte

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1648, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

matte

1 of 2

variants or matt

variant of mat entry 3 sense 1

matte

2 of 2 adjective

variants also mat or matt

ˈmat

: lacking luster or gloss