English · Word Candidate

matte

/mæt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: mattes · matting · matted

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A decorative border around a picture used to inset and center the contents of a frame.

Noun

The image is a perfect square of 8 cm (with white matte border the total dimensions are 14 cm tall by 11 cm wide).

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A background, often painted or created with computers

Noun

Matte painting is a tool that filmmakers can use to create a scene that is impossible to achieve with conventional cinematographic means.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Dull; not reflective of light.

AdjectiveRegister: US

Flat or matte paint allows a deep color expression on the walls while also hiding flaws that may be inherent on the painted surface.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To produce a dull, lustreless surface on (metal).

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “matte” mean?

A decorative border around a picture used to inset and center the contents of a frame.

Is “matte” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.