matchstick

noun

match·​stick ˈmach-ˌstik How to pronounce matchstick (audio)
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

Example Sentences

Cut the peppers into pieces the size of matchsticks.
Recent Examples on the Web The fire volcano matchstick holder conveys excitement and adventure, while the tissue box evokes tears, longing and nostalgia. Juan Noguera, The Conversation, 28 Feb. 2023 Indeed, other scientists have found that people with damage to the prefrontal cortex do better with the varied matchstick problems than those with everything intact. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2011 Well over 100,000 bones have been excavated from Denisova Cave, but most are scraps, no longer than a matchstick, that have been chomped, crushed and eroded over the ages. Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 19 Aug. 2019 The birth control implant is a progestin-only form of hormonal contraception that comes in the form of a flexible plastic rod (the size of a matchstick) that's implanted beneath the skin. Heather Viggiani, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2022 The designer’s cool frayed panama hat is finished with his signature matchstick, and this luxe chapeau fits right in at casual farmers market strolls and tropical vacations. Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 July 2022 The birth control implant is a flexible, plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted just under the skin in the upper arm by a health care professional. Julie Washington, cleveland, 11 July 2022 The natural wood tones of the dresser and matchstick blinds warm the black-and-white room. Sarah Wolf Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2022 After two seasons of their romance, though, the fire between them is burning as bright as a damp matchstick. Natalie Lin, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'matchstick.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of matchstick was in 1791

Dictionary Entries Near matchstick

Cite this Entry

“Matchstick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matchstick. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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