matte

variants: or matt

Definition of matte

(Entry 1 of 3)

variant spellings of mat entry 3 1

matte

\ ˈmat

How to pronounce matte (audio)

\

variants: or less commonly mat or matt

Definition of matte (Entry 2 of 3)

: 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

\ ˈmat

How to pronounce matte (audio)

\

Definition of matte (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a crude mixture of sulfides formed in smelting sulfide ores of metals (such as copper, lead, or nickel)

2 : a motion-picture effect in which part of a scene is blocked out and later replaced by footage containing other material (such as a background painting)

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about matte

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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 There’s also a bronzer compact called Give Me Life and the shade is a soft, matte golden bronze that can be used all over or just as a contour. — Shannon Barbour, The Cut, "Who’s Ready for ‘Sandy Crotch’ Eye Shadow?," 31 May 2018 To achieve a soft, matte effect, the lightweight mousse glides on and sets with a powdery matte finish that looks and feels like skin. — Marissa Miller, Teen Vogue, "Giorgio Armani Beauty Face Fabric Is Officially Back," 15 Mar. 2018 The details are humble and un-flashy, too; buttery soft, matte leather, a notch lapel, a patch chest pocket, and a single breasted closure. — Megan Gustashaw, GQ, "Daniel Craig's Other Big News: He's Bringing Back the Leather Blazer," 16 Aug. 2017 The formula is really hydrating and leaves behind a satin finish that isn't too matte or too glossy. — Carly Cardellino, Cosmopolitan, "The Hottest Fall Lip Colors To Wear Now," 11 Nov. 2013 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Choose those with added starch and/or silica, which leave a matte finish and help absorb oil and fight shine throughout the day. — Beth Janes, Good Housekeeping, "Your Complete Guide to Dealing With Oily Skin," 7 Feb. 2020 This no-nonsense workhorse is available with a matte finish in 12- or 20-gauge with a wood or synthetic stock, or .410-bore in wood. — Jarrod Spilger, Outdoor Life, "8 Upland Bird Hunting Shotguns That Won’t Break the Bank," 17 Sep. 2019 After four years, a vast range of products, and retail expansion, the brand has now remixed its OG product duo with a new take that pairs classic matte lipstick and lip liner. — Thatiana Diaz, refinery29.com, "We Tried Kylie’s New Lipstick Kits — & Here’s What We Really Think," 29 Jan. 2020 Try using a matte shade as well on the lids with a flat eyeshadow brush. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "Makeup Trends for Winter 2019 You Need to Know About, According to MUAs," 19 Dec. 2019 Her matte lip shade—toeing the line between a bold Bordeaux and a deep crimson—was painted on a canvas of clean skin, and acted as the ultimate accent for her high voltage glam gown. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Beyoncé Just Wore the Ultimate Holiday Party-Ready Lip Color," 18 Nov. 2019 Rexha also collaborated with Sinful Colors back in August to create velvet matte shades perfect for fall. — Gabi Thorne, Allure, "Singer Bebe Rexha Is Launching a Halloween-Inspired Nail Polish Collection," 1 Oct. 2019 This time, exchanging her nude glossy lip for a matte marron finish, pinning her honey blonde locks behind her ear, and glistening in Lorraine Schwartz jewels. — Nandi Howard, Essence, "Beyonce Is Giving Us The Holiday Hues," 18 Nov. 2019 Hood stripped the finish and used some stain leftover from a build-your-own stereo speakers kit to give the bass a matte walnut finish. — Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, "The mystery of The Swampers’ stolen Muscle Shoals bass guitar," 12 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'matte.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Matte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matte. Accessed 23 Feb. 2020.

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