Matthew Arnold (24 December 1822 – 15 April 1888) is a British poet and cultural critic who works as an inspector of schools.

He is the son of Thomas Arnold, the famed headmaster of Rugby School, and brother to both Tom Arnold, literary professor, and William Delafield Arnold, novelist and colonial administrator.

Matthew Arnold has been characterized as a sage writer, a type of writer who chastises and instructs the reader on contemporary social issues.