SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

matelassé

noun
Save Word
ma·​te·​las·​sé | \ ¦mätᵊl(ˌ)ä¦sā, ¦mät(ˌ)lä- \
plural -s

Definition of matelassé

: a double cloth of cotton or rayon or other fibers woven on a jacquard loom and used especially for clothing, upholstery, and bedspreads and marked by raised floral or geometric designs with a puckered or quilted appearance achieved by the interlacing of threads in the weaving or the contracting of threads in the finishing

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for matelassé

French, from past participle of matelasser to cushion as with a mattress, from matelas mattress, from Middle French, alteration of materas, from Old French

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best comforters.

Learn More About matelassé

Dictionary Entries Near matelassé

mate for life

matelassé

mateless

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for matelassé

Cite this Entry

“Matelassé.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matelass%C3%A9. Accessed 14 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

shard

Listen to the pronunciation of shard

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Commonly Confused Words Quiz

  • vector image of a face with thought expression
  • I went to the ______ store to buy a birthday card.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games