# Matty

/ˈmæti/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/matty
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

tangled or knotted together in a thick, messy way. You usually use this to describe hair or animal fur that has not been brushed.

For teachers: tangled or knotted into a thick, dense mass. Often describes unkempt hair, wool, or animal fur; frequently used as a synonym for 'matted' in specific dialects or informal contexts.

## Examples

- The stray dog had very matty fur.
- After a week of camping without a brush, her hair became quite matty and difficult to comb.
- The sheep's wool was so matty from the damp winter that the shearers had to work with extreme caution to avoid nicking the skin.

## Usage notes

- Often used interchangeably with 'matted'; typically precedes the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.