What does "matilda" mean?
Either of two British infantry tanks in use during World War II, the Infantry Tank Mark I or Infantry Tank Mark II.
Matilda
/məˈtɪldə/ name, noun
name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Either of two British infantry tanks in use during World War II, the Infantry Tank Mark I or Infantry Tank Mark II.
- Grammar: matilda is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bias in attribution, character matilda, credit bias, dahl's matilda.
- Useful contrasts: credit equity, equal attribution, real person.
- Usage evidence: John granted five charters to the City, and in this third charter he restored to the citizens two privileges, of which they had been deprived by Matilda and Henry II.
How to use "matilda"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "matilda" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "matilda" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "matilda" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "matilda" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "matilda" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bias in attribution" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "matilda", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Either of two British infantry tanks in use during World War II, the Infantry Tank Mark I or Infantry Tank Mark II. UK, historical
- 2 A bundle of possessions, often tied up in a sack; a swag. Australia
"1906, A. B. Paterson, On The Road to Gundagai, The Old Bush Songs, Gutenberg eBook #10493, In a week the spree was over and the cheque was all knocked down, / So we shouldered our “Matildas,” and we turned our backs on town, / And the girls they stood a nobbler as we sadly said “Good bye,” / And we tramped from Lazy Harry’s, not five miles from Gundagai;"
- 3 A swag or bluey carried by a swagman or swagwoman. Australia, historical
"Oh there once was a swagman camped in the billabong, Under the shade of a coolibah tree, And he sang as he looked at the old billy boiling, 'Who'll come a'waltzing Matilda, with me.'"
Proper Noun
- 1 A female given name from the Germanic languages.
"But wondrously begotten, and begonne / By false illusion of a guilefull Spright, / On a faire Ladie Nonne, that whilome hight / Matilda, daughter to Pubidius, […]"
Synonyms
All synonyms bias in attributioncharacter matildacredit biasdahl's matildafictional matildafirst name
Antonyms
Example
"John granted five charters to the City, and in this third charter he restored to the citizens two privileges, of which they had been deprived by Matilda and Henry II."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "matilda"?
Common synonyms include: bias in attribution, character matilda, credit bias, dahl's matilda, fictional matilda, first name.
How do you use "matilda" in a sentence?
John granted five charters to the City, and in this third charter he restored to the citizens two privileges, of which they had been deprived by Matilda and Henry II.
How do you pronounce "matilda"?
Pronounced /məˈtɪldə/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English Matilda, from Old French Mathilde, from Old High German Mahthilt, Mehthilt, from Proto-Germanic *Mahtihildiz; compare German Mechthild, Old English Mæþhild (“Matilda”).
Etymology 2
Unknown.