Ultra-short and ultra-high-energy pulsed laser is a powerful tool for investigating the interaction between laser and matter, and they have thereby been extensively investigated. A chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) system is the critical component for generating ultra-short and ultra-high-energy laser pulses. A pulse-compression grating (PCG) is an essential part of CPA, and it plays an important role in CPA performance. Metal/multilayer-dielectric gratings (MMDGs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their characteristics of high diffraction efficiency, broad bandwidth, and high laser-induced-damage threshold. To improve the understanding of metal/multilayer-dielectric pulse compression grating, we provide a comprehensive review of the status, design principles, and manufacturing processes of MMDGs. Finally, we discuss the prospects for future developments of MMDGs.