match

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /mætʃ/

• Audio (US)

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• Audio (UK)

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Noun

Singular match

Plural matches

A burning match.

1. (countable) A match is a game of football, tennis, etc.

   We lost the first match, but hope to win our next two.

2. (countable) A match is something that goes with something else because they are similar.

   I can't find a match for this sock.

   There are a number of matches for your search words.

3. (countable) A match is a small stick that has a chemical on one end of it. You use it to make a fire.

   He lit a match for some light in the dark room.

4. (countable) A match is a situation in which two things go together well.

Synonyms

• pair
• partner

Verb

Plain form match

Third-person singular matches

Past tense matched

Past participle matched

Present participle matching

1. (transitive & intransitive) If two things match, they go together because they are similar in some way.

   Look around for a table you like or one which most closely matches your room.

   I'll ask you some questions to see how you match up to the job.

   The wish for changes has not been matched by actions.

   Her intelligence was matched by her kindness.

   Your two socks don't match.

2. (transitive) (usually passive) If you are matched against someone, you are their opponent in a competition.

Synonyms

• suit