Match
/mætʃ/
Definitions
5 meaningsA competition or game between two or more players or teams.
/mætʃ/
A contest or competition
The tennis match was exciting to watch.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite sports team. A 'match' is when they play against another team to see who's best. It's like a game!
👶 For kids: A game or contest where people or teams try to win!
More Examples
The championship match will be held next week.
I watched a thrilling chess match.
How It's Used
"The soccer match was intense, with both teams fighting for the win."
"We played a game of cards; then we played a match."
A person or thing that is similar to or compatible with another.
/mætʃ/
A person or thing that is equal or similar to another
The blue tie is a perfect match for his suit.
💡 Simply: When things go well together, they're a 'match'! Like a matching shirt and pants.
👶 For kids: Something that is similar to something else, like two things that go together!
More Examples
She is a good match for the job.
They are a perfect match for each other.
How It's Used
"They seem like a perfect match for each other."
"I need to find a tile that's a match to the existing ones."
A small, thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with a combustible substance, used for lighting a fire.
/mætʃ/
A small stick of wood or cardboard tipped with a chemical substance that ignites when rubbed against a rough surface.
She used a match to light the stove.
💡 Simply: It is a small stick that makes fire when you rub it on a rough surface.
👶 For kids: A small stick that you rub to make fire!
More Examples
He lit the bonfire with a match.
Careless use of matches can lead to fires.
How It's Used
"He struck a match to light the candle."
"Keep matches out of reach of children."
To correspond or be similar to something else.
/mætʃ/
His shirt matches his pants.
💡 Simply: When things look good together, they 'match'. Like when your shoes and socks have the same color.
👶 For kids: To be the same as or go well with something else.
More Examples
Can you match this data to the other file?
The picture doesn't quite match the description.
How It's Used
"The colors of the scarf and the hat match perfectly."
"The database will match the information in the two files."
To pair or join two things or people.
/mætʃ/
To put two things together
The computer is used to match the clients to the right program.
💡 Simply: To put things together that belong together, like finding a good friend for someone.
👶 For kids: To put two things together that are alike or go well together!
More Examples
The algorithm tries to match people's dating preferences.
The company matched the donations.
How It's Used
"The dating app is designed to match people with similar interests."
"The company will match employee contributions to the 401k."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
match made in heaven
A perfect combination or pairing, typically referring to a couple.
"They are a match made in heaven; they are so good for each other."
meet your match
To encounter someone or something that is equally or more capable than oneself.
"He finally met his match when he faced the new chess champion."
From Middle English *macche*, from Old English *gemæcca* ('mate, companion').
The word 'match' has been used in English since the 12th century. It has evolved from referring to a companion or equal to its modern senses of competition and device for creating fire.
Memory tip
Think of a sports competition.
Word Origin
"companion, mate"