match

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A sporting contest between two people or teams.

   My local team are playing a match against their rivals today.

2. 2
   noun

   A short thin stick that produces a flame when struck.

   She lit the candle with a match.

3. 3
   verb

   To go well together or be equal in some way.

   That tie matches your jacket perfectly.

4. 4
   noun

   A thing that goes well with or resembles another.

   That scarf is a good match for your coat.

From Middle English macche, mecche, from Old English mæċċa, ġemæċċa (“companion, mate, wife, one suited to another”), from Proto-West Germanic *makkjō, *gamakkjō (“partner, equal”), from Proto-Germanic *makô, from Proto-Indo-European *mag- (“to knead, work”). Compare Danish mage (“mate”), Icelandic maki (“spouse”).

Topics