adj Uncommon

matte

mat

Matte (adj) means having a dull, non-shiny surface; not glossy. Example: “She preferred matte lipstick over the shiny gloss finish.”

adj

Having a dull, non-shiny surface; not glossy.

"She preferred matte lipstick over the shiny gloss finish."

"The car was sprayed in a matte black that soaked up the light."

noun

A border, often cardboard, placed around a picture to set it off inside a frame.

"The framer cut a cream-coloured matte to surround the photograph."

A background used behind actors or objects, painted or generated digitally, that is later combined with other footage.

"The spaceship scene was shot in front of a green matte and finished with computer effects."

verb

To give something a dull, non-reflective finish.

"The jeweller matted the ring's surface so it wouldn't catch the light."

How to use matte

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes a flat, non-shiny surface or finish — the opposite of glossy.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "mat" (a floor covering) or the name "Matt" — they sound identical but mean different things.

Easily confused with

mat → matt →

Common pairings

matte finish matte black matte lipstick matte photo paper

Word forms

more matte comparative, matted past tense, mattes plural, mattes singular, most matte superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She preferred _____ lipstick over the shiny gloss finish.

Etymology

From French mat, meaning "dull" or "lifeless" — the same word used in chess for a checkmated (dead) king.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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felt matt mat mat up felt up matt-up flatness matte up lusterlessness lustrelessness

Related words

felt Matt Matthew carpet shiny mat Rug Mateo

Rhymes for matte

latte

See all rhymes for matte →

Frequently asked questions

What does “matte” mean?

The word “matte” means having a dull, non-shiny surface; not glossy. In plain terms, describes a flat, non-shiny surface or finish — the opposite of glossy.

How do you pronounce “matte”?

“Matte” is pronounced mat (/mæt/ in IPA).

How do you use “matte” in a sentence?

Here is “matte” used in a sentence: “She preferred matte lipstick over the shiny gloss finish.”

What part of speech is “matte”?

Depending on how it is used, “matte” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “matte” come from?

The word “matte” comes from French. From French mat, meaning "dull" or "lifeless" — the same word used in chess for a checkmated (dead) king.

Is “matte” a common word?

“Matte” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “matte” have?

“Matte” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a dull, non-shiny surface; not glossy.

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