noun Uncommon

mata

Mata (noun) means a respectful term for a mother, grandmother, or a female spiritual leader in South Asian traditions. Example: “Villagers greeted the elderly woman as "mata," a term of deep respect.”

noun

A respectful term for a mother, grandmother, or a female spiritual leader in South Asian traditions.

"Villagers greeted the elderly woman as "mata," a term of deep respect."

How to use mata

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA respectful South Asian term for "mother" or an elder/spiritual woman.

Word forms

matas plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “mata” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Villagers greeted the elderly woman as "_____," a term of deep respect.

Etymology

Borrowed from Sanskrit mata ("mother"), a relative of the English word mother and Latin mater.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for mata

ATA kata Tata Lata Data Ogata Plata piñata strata sonata Renata Hinata

See all rhymes for mata →

Frequently asked questions

What does “mata” mean?

The word “mata” means a respectful term for a mother, grandmother, or a female spiritual leader in South Asian traditions. In plain terms, a respectful South Asian term for "mother" or an elder/spiritual woman.

How do you use “mata” in a sentence?

Here is “mata” used in a sentence: “Villagers greeted the elderly woman as "mata," a term of deep respect.”

What part of speech is “mata”?

“Mata” is a noun.

Where does the word “mata” come from?

The word “mata” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Sanskrit mata ("mother"), a relative of the English word mother and Latin mater.

Is “mata” a common word?

“Mata” is an uncommon word in modern English.