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
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
Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
To get this result, Dempsey recommends the Dior Addict Lip Tint for its transfer-proof, semi-matte finish.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 May 2025
Her footwear — pointed-toe suede stilettos — offered a matte counterweight to the dress’s high-shine finish, maintaining the overall monochrome palette while introducing a subtle shift in texture.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for matte
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Adjective
This Lulus bag is primarily matte and clean, with just a tinge of silver on the top handle and cutesy bow.
—Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
To get this result, Dempsey recommends the Dior Addict Lip Tint for its transfer-proof, semi-matte finish.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
That the gaping hole is really just a matte painting — a special effect — doesn't lessen the suspense or the comedy.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 May 2025
Her footwear — pointed-toe suede stilettos — offered a matte counterweight to the dress’s high-shine finish, maintaining the overall monochrome palette while introducing a subtle shift in texture.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for matte
Cite this Entry
“Matte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matte. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
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