Matilda
Matilda (noun) means In Australian slang, a swagman's bundle of belongings, traditionally rolled up and carried on the back. Example: “The old swagman slung his matilda over his shoulder and set off down the road.”
How to Use Matilda
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBest known today as a woman's first name, but in Australian tradition also a word for a swagman's rolled-up bundle of possessions.
You will most often meet this sense in the song "Waltzing Matilda," where "waltzing Matilda" means travelling on foot carrying your bundle.
Trace the full origin ↓Word Forms
Matildas plural, matildas plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old swagman slung his _____ over his shoulder and set off down the road.
Etymology
From the given name Matilda, from Old High German Mahthilt, "mighty in battle" — its use for a traveller's bundle comes from Australian folk usage, most famously in the song "Waltzing Matilda."
Rhymes for Matilda
See all rhymes for Matilda →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Matilda” mean?
The word “Matilda” means in Australian slang, a swagman's bundle of belongings, traditionally rolled up and carried on the back. In plain terms, best known today as a woman's first name, but in Australian tradition also a word for a swagman's rolled-up bundle of possessions.
How do you pronounce “Matilda”?
“Matilda” is pronounced muh-TIHL-duh (/məˈtɪldə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Matilda” in a sentence?
Here is “Matilda” used in a sentence: “The old swagman slung his matilda over his shoulder and set off down the road.”
What part of speech is “Matilda”?
“Matilda” is a noun.
Where does the word “Matilda” come from?
The word “Matilda” comes from German. From the given name Matilda, from Old High German Mahthilt, "mighty in battle" — its use for a traveller's bundle comes from Australian folk usage, most famously in the song "Waltzing Matilda.".
Is “Matilda” a common word?
“Matilda” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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