match

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an exact duplicate

   when a match is found an entry is made in the notebook

2. 2
   noun

   a burning piece of wood or cardboard

   if you drop a match in there the whole place will explode

3. 3
   noun

   something that resembles or harmonizes with

   that tie makes a good match with your jacket

4. 4
   verb

   be equal or harmonize

   The two pieces match

5. 5
   verb

   set into opposition or rivalry

   let them match their best athletes against ours

6. 6
   verb

   provide funds complementary to

   The company matched the employees' contributions

7. 7
   noun

   A competitive sporting event such as a boxing meet (commonly called a "bout"), a baseball game, or a cricket match.

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

8. 8
   noun

   Any contest or trial of strength or skill, or to determine superiority.

   Ferrer his Taberd vvith rich Verry ſpred, / VVell knovvne in many a vvarlike match before; […]

Etymology

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”).