a matter of
idiom
1
—used to refer to a small amount
It cooks in a matter of (a few) minutes.
The crisis was resolved in a matter of a few hours.
The ball was foul by a matter of inches.
2
—used to say that one thing results from or requires another
Learning to ride a bicycle is a matter of practice.
His success was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
It's only a matter of time before/until we catch him.
3
—used to explain the reason for something
She insists on honesty as a matter of principle.
All requests for free tickets are turned down as a matter of policy.
Examples of a matter of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The miniature dwelling is fully customizable to your exact specifications, and can arrive fully assembled in a matter of weeks.
—
Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
The entire swapping process is completed in only a matter of minutes, rather than the hours needed for more conventional electric vehicle charging.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
Without those same preservatives, homemade loaves are more likely to dry out and become stale in a matter of days.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
Infectious disease experts around North Carolina have warned that an outbreak similar to South Carolina’s is a matter of time.
—Josh Shaffer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Jan. 2026
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Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
The entire swapping process is completed in only a matter of minutes, rather than the hours needed for more conventional electric vehicle charging.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
Without those same preservatives, homemade loaves are more likely to dry out and become stale in a matter of days.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
Infectious disease experts around North Carolina have warned that an outbreak similar to South Carolina’s is a matter of time.
—Josh Shaffer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
Cite this Entry
“A matter of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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