1
of two or more things
a
: going together well : suitably paired or used together
matching colors
… a formfitting navy Armani suit and matching pumps …—Leslie Bennetts
b
: having the same appearance, design, etc.
In their matching yellow jumpsuits and white T-shirts they looked like gateposts marking the entrance to the house.—Ann M. Martin
Meanwhile, over the past few months, Kylie Jenner and Pia Mia have been sighted in matching outfits on more than one occasion while shopping and lunching in LA.—Erika Stalder
2
: forming part of a pair or set
searched the clean laundry for a matching sock
3
: equal in amount
made matching contributions
especially
: equal in amount to money obtained from another source
… a proposal that he has sponsored in the legislature would provide $25-50 million in matching funds for biotechnology research and development to companies choosing Louisiana as their base. —Stephen Budiansky
Cite this Entry
“Matching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matching. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
