adj

matte

mat

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

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

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

Can you complete this real example?

She preferred _____ lipstick over the shiny gloss finish.

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

latte