noun Uncommon

Matilda

muh-TIHL-duh

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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.”

noun

In Australian slang, a swagman's bundle of belongings, traditionally rolled up and carried on the back.

"The old swagman slung his matilda over his shoulder and set off down the road."

How to use Matilda

Learner’s notes

In 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.

Memory tip

You will most often meet this sense in the song "Waltzing Matilda," where "waltzing Matilda" means travelling on foot carrying your bundle.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Matildas

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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."

Origin: German

Rhymes for Matilda

Hilda Tilda gilda Mathilda

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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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Vocabulary lists that include Matilda:

Words with German origins