match

noun \ ˈmach \

Definition of match

1 a : a person or thing equal or similar to another

b : 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

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 (see prospective 2b) partner in marriage

would make a good match for any man

Origin and Etymology of match

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

match

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

—

matchable

play \ˈma-chə-bəl\ adjective

—

matcher

noun

See match defined for English-language learners

Examples 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

match Synonyms

Synonyms

correspond (to), equal, parallel;

complement, supplement;

counterbalance, counterpoise;

echo, image, mirror, repeat;

add up (to), amount (to), approach, come (to), near;

measure (up), partake (of), rival, suggest;

match

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 (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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1549

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

MATCH Defined for English Language Learners

match

verb

Definition of match for English Language Learners

: 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)

MATCH Defined for Kids

match

noun \ ˈmach \

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.

match

verb

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.

match

noun

Definition of match for Students

: a short slender piece of material tipped with a mixture that produces fire when scratched

Learn More about match

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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match

Definition of match

Origin and Etymology of match

match

Definition of match

matchable

matcher

Examples of match in a Sentence

Origin and Etymology of match

match Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

match

Definition of match

Origin and Etymology of match

MATCH Defined for English Language Learners

match

Definition of match for English Language Learners

MATCH Defined for Kids

match

Definition of match for Students

match

Definition of match for Students

match

Definition of match for Students

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