matching

adjective

match·​ing ˈma-chiŋ How to pronounce matching (audio)
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

Examples of matching in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As the holiday quickly approaches, dedicate your time to preparing your favorite Easter recipes, and don’t worry about searching high and low for the best matching dresses. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2024 Strain is seen in the footage wearing a brown button-up shirt with darker sleeves and a matching dark front pocket. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2024 Usher, 45, wore a sparkly silver top with a plunging neckline as well as white pants, while Goicoechea, 40, donned a sleeveless matte black dress with a matching hood, bag and strappy heels. Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 After each win, the matching symbols break into small pieces, vanish, and new symbols take their place. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 In addition to a removable bike lever and training wheels, this bike has a bell, kickstand, tool kit, and a water bottle holder with a matching water bottle. Laura Lu, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024 Tip: Some cast-iron skillets come with a matching lid, which is useful for making the skillet operate a bit like a mini stovetop oven, cooking evenly and basting the food with flavor and steam. Emily Weinstein, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Pair with the matching thermal leggings to complete your look and keep you comfortable. Marisa Petrarca, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2024 Wearing a matching pale yellow set, the young artist experimented with splatter paint as her easel was propped on the gravel, resting on a white cloth. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'matching.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of matching was in 1630

Dictionary Entries Near matching

Cite this Entry

“Matching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matching. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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