Search results for 'match':

match¹ noun (matches) 1 a formal contest or game. 2 (especially a match for someone or something) a person or thing that is similar or identical to, or combines well with, another. 3 a person or thing able to equal, or surpass, another • met his match. 4 a partnership or pairing; a suitable partner, eg in marriage. 5 a condition of exact agreement, compatibility or close resemblance, especially between two colours. verb (matches, matched, matching) 1 tr & intr (also match up or match something up) to combine well; to be well suited, compatible or exactly alike; to put (matching people, colours, things, etc) together. 2 to set (people or things) in competition; to hold them up in comparison. 3 to be equal to something; to make, produce, perform, etc an equivalent to something • cannot match, let alone beat, the offer. 4 electronics to make the impedances of (two circuits) equal, so as to produce maximum transfer of energy. matchable adj. matching adj similar; compatible; part of the same set • a matching pair. be a match for someone to be as good at something as them; to be as successful, strong, forceful, etc as them. meet one's match 1 to have to deal with someone who is able to resist one successfully. 2 to meet, or have to compete with, someone who is as good as or better at something than one is oneself.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon gemæcca a mate or companion.

match² noun (matches) 1 a short thin piece of wood or strip of card coated on the tip with a substance that ignites when rubbed against a rough surface, used to light fires, etc. See also safety match. 2 a slow-burning fuse used in cannons, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c in obsolete sense 'the wick of a candle or lamp': from French mesche.