matchstick

noun

match·​stick ˈmach-ˌstik 

1

: a slender piece especially of wood from which a match is made

2

: something resembling a matchstick especially in slenderness

cut a carrot into matchsticks

Examples of matchstick in a Sentence

Cut the peppers into pieces the size of matchsticks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Perennially frail, sick, and gaunt, the ambient guitar composer had devoted his life to a sprawling catalog, some 40 albums wide, that resembles a matchstick model of paradise. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

Shoestring fries, also known as matchstick fries, are cut extremely thin. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Julia snuck some matchstick carrots into the potato mixture, then blew my socks off with a punchy, springy topping of feta, mint, dill, and chives. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 24 June 2026

Pour over chicken and scatter 1 mini seedless cucumber, cut into matchsticks, and ½ bunch cilantro, tough stems removed, coarsely chopped, on top. — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for matchstick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick