: one that arranges a match
especially : one who tries to bring two unmarried individuals together in an attempt to promote a marriage

matchmaking

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: the action of bringing about a marriage especially by scheming
2
: the action of arranging or promoting sports matches

Examples of matchmaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The unprecedented co-production between JLA Productions and NHK Enterprises of Japan was made possible thanks to France TV Distribution, which played a key role as a business facilitator and matchmaker in bringing together the two companies. — Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 Keiser, who runs a consulting firm called Wild Oat Hollow, would play the role of matchmaker—setting up the homeowners with farm animals that could graze their lands. — Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026 During their meeting, the matchmaker appeared to have done little research into his background. — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 College football matchmaker Dave Brown, founder of the Gridiron scheduling software firm, said economics win out in scheduling. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchmaker

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

match entry 1 + making, gerund of make entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of matchmaker was in 1638

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Matchmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matchmaker. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

matchmaker

noun
: one that arranges marriages
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster