Definition of match
1a : a person or thing equal or similar to anotherb : one able to cope with another He was no match for his opponent.c : an exact counterpart a lake that was almost the match of one he remembered from Switzerland
2 : a pair suitably associated carpet and curtains are a match
3a : a contest between two or more parties a golf match a soccer match a shouting matchb : a contest (as in tennis or volleyball) completed when one player or side wins a specified number of sets or games
4a : a marriage unionb : a prospective (see prospective 2b) partner in marriage would make a good match for any man
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of match
Middle English macche, from Old English gemæcca mate, equal; akin to Old English macian to make — more at make
match
Definition of match
transitive verb
1a : to encounter successfully as an antagonistb (1) : to set in competition or opposition (2) : to provide with a worthy competitorc : to set in comparison
2 : to join or give in marriage
3a (1) : to put in a set possessing equal or harmonizing attributes (2) : to cause to correspond : suit matched programs to local needsb (1) : to be the counterpart of; also : to compare favorably with (2) : to harmonize with the jacket matched the pantsc : to provide with a counterpartd : to provide funds complementary to employers may match the employee contribution — D. J. Miller
4 : to fit together or make suitable for fitting together
5a : to flip or toss (coins) and compare exposed facesb : to toss coins with
intransitive verb
: to be a counterpart
matcher
nounExamples of match in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of match
see 1match
match
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 (such 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 and Etymology of match
Middle English macche, mecche candlewick, from Anglo-French meche
MATCH Defined for English Language Learners
match
Definition of match for English Language Learners
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: to be suited to (someone or something) : to go well with (someone or something)
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: to have the same appearance, color, etc.
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: to make or see a connection or relationship between (two people or things)
MATCH Defined for Kids
Definition of match for Students
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.
Definition of match for Students
matched
;matching
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.
Definition of match for Students
: a short slender piece of material tipped with a mixture that produces fire when scratched
Learn More about match
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See words that rhyme with match Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for match Spanish Central: Translation of match Nglish: Translation of match for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of match for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about match
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