match

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

Origin of MATCH

Middle English macche, from Old English gemæcca mate, equal; akin to Old English macian to make — more at make

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with MATCH

bach, batch, catch, cratch, hatch, klatch, latch, natch, patch, scratch, snatch, thatch

²match

verb

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

Examples of MATCH

1. This color matches your skin tone.
2. She was wearing a beautiful skirt, but her sweater didn't match it.
3. The upbeat music matched her mood.
4. Her skirt and sweater matched perfectly.
5. The pillows on the couch all match.
6. Your socks don't match each other.
7. His story doesn't match the facts.

First Known Use of MATCH

14th century

Related to MATCH

Synonyms

correspond (to), equal, parallel

Related Words

blend (with), conform (to), coordinate (with), go (with), harmonize (with); complement, supplement; counterbalance, counterpoise; echo, image, mirror, repeat; add up (to), amount (to), approach, come (to), near; measure (up), partake (of), rival, suggest

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