First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1match
noun \ˈmach\
Definition of MATCH
1
a : a person or thing equal or similar to another b : one able to cope with another c : an exact counterpart
2
: a pair suitably associated <carpet and curtains are a match>
3
a : a contest between two or more parties <a golf match> <a soccer match> <a shouting match> b : a contest (as in tennis or volleyball) completed when one player or side wins a specified number of sets or games
4
a : a marriage union b : a prospective partner in marriage
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Origin of MATCH
Middle English macche, from Old English gemæcca mate, equal; akin to Old English macian to make — more at make
2match
verb
: to be suited to (someone or something) : to go well with (someone or something)
: to have the same appearance, color, etc.
: to make or see a connection or relationship between (two people or things)
Full Definition of MATCH
transitive verb
1
a : to encounter successfully as an antagonist b (1) : to set in competition or opposition (2) : to provide with a worthy competitor c : to set in comparison
2
: to join or give in marriage
3
a (1) : to put in a set possessing equal or harmonizing attributes (2) : to cause to correspond : suit <matched programs to local needs> b (1) : to be the counterpart of; also : to compare favorably with (2) : to harmonize with <the jacket matched the pants> c : to provide with a counterpart d : to provide funds complementary to <employers may match the employee contribution — D. J. Miller>
4
: to fit together or make suitable for fitting together
5
a : to flip or toss (coins) and compare exposed faces b : to toss coins with
intransitive verb
: to be a counterpart
— match·able \ˈma-chə-bəl\ adjective
— match·er noun
See match defined for English-language learners
Examples of MATCH
- This color matches your skin tone.
- She was wearing a beautiful skirt, but her sweater didn't match it.
- The upbeat music matched her mood.
- Her skirt and sweater matched perfectly.
- The pillows on the couch all match.
- Your socks don't match each other.
- His story doesn't match the facts.
First Known Use of MATCH
14th century
Related to MATCH
- Synonyms
- correspond (to), equal, parallel
3match
noun
Definition of MATCH
1
: a chemically prepared wick or cord formerly used in firing firearms or powder
2
: a short slender piece of flammable material (as wood) tipped with a combustible mixture that bursts into flame when slightly heated through friction (as by being scratched against a rough surface)
Origin of MATCH
Middle English macche, mecche candlewick, from Anglo-French meche
First Known Use: 1549
MATCHING Defined for Kids
1match
noun \ˈmach\
Definition of MATCH for Kids
1
: a person or thing that is equal to or as good as another <We are a match for our opponents.>
2
: a contest between two individuals or teams <a tennis match>
3
: a thing that is exactly like another thing <I'm trying to find a match for this sock.>
4
: two people or things that go well together <The curtains and carpet are a good match.>
5
: marriage 1 <Your parents made a good match.>
2match
verb
matchedmatch·ing
Definition of MATCH for Kids
1
: to be the same or suitable to one another <The colors of our shirts match.>
2
: to choose something that is the same as another or goes with it <Try to match this material.>
3
: to place in competition <The game matched the two former champions.>
4
: to be as good as <You'll never match her at golf.>
3match
noun
Definition of MATCH for Kids
: a short slender piece of material tipped with a mixture that produces fire when scratched
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