matte

1 of 3
variants or matt

variant spellings of mat entry 3 sense 1

matte

2 of 3

adjective

variants or less commonly mat or matt
: lacking or deprived of luster (see luster entry 1 sense 1) or gloss: such as
a
: having a usually smooth even surface free from shine or highlights
matte metals
a matte finish
b
: having a rough or granular (see granular sense 1) surface

matte

3 of 3

noun

1
: a crude mixture of sulfides formed in smelting sulfide ores of metals (such as copper, lead, or nickel)
2
: a movie effect in which part of a scene is blocked out and later replaced by footage containing other material (such as a background painting)

Examples of matte in a Sentence

Adjective a photograph with a matte finish I chose a paint with a matte finish so the walls wouldn't be too shiny.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The texture is airy and buttery, while the finish is natural without being completely matte. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2024 This specific limited edition is crafted from shiny and matte burgundy porosus crocodile (estimate: $33,400-$40,100). Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2024 Red velvet makeup sees the classic red lip get a modern makeover with luxe matte or semi-matte formulas that add cosy dimension and glam opulence to makeup. Elle Turner, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2023 And Haus Labs by Lady Gaga's Optic Intensity Eco Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Black Onyx will coat the bottom lash line with an ultra-matte and smooth finish. Chelsea Avila, Allure, 24 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for matte 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'matte.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French mat, from Old French, faded, defeated

Noun

French, from Middle French, crude metal, curdled milk, from feminine of mat thick, dull, matte

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1648, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of matte was circa 1648

Dictionary Entries Near matte

Cite this Entry

“Matte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matte. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

matte

1 of 2
variants or matt

variant of mat entry 3 sense 1

matte

2 of 2 adjective
variants also mat or matt
ˈmat
: lacking luster or gloss

More from Merriam-Webster on matte

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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