match meaning and definition

MATCH noun

Definition of match (noun)

1. lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
   • "he always carries matches to light his pipe"; "as long you've a lucifer to light your fag"
   • synonyms: friction match, lucifer
2. a formal contest in which two or more persons or teams compete
3. a burning piece of wood or cardboard
   • "if you drop a match in there the whole place will explode"
4. an exact duplicate
   • "when a match is found an entry is made in the notebook"
   • synonyms: mate
5. the score needed to win a match
6. a person regarded as a good matrimonial prospect
   • synonyms: catch
7. a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
   • synonyms: compeer, equal, peer
8. a pair of people who live together
   • "a married couple from Chicago"
   • synonyms: couple, mates
9. something that resembles or harmonizes with
   • "that tie makes a good match with your jacket"

MATCH verb

Definition of match (verb)

1. be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
   • "The two stories don't agree in many details"; "The handwriting checks with the signature on the check"; "The suspect's fingerprints don't match those on the gun"
   • synonyms: agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, tally
   • antonym: disaccord
2. provide funds complementary to
   • "The company matched the employees' contributions"
3. bring two objects, ideas, or people together
   • "This fact is coupled to the other one"; "Matchmaker, can you match my daughter with a nice young man?"; "The student was paired with a partner for collaboration on the project"
   • synonyms: couple, mate, pair, twin
4. be equal to in quality or ability
   • "Nothing can rival cotton for durability"; "Your performance doesn't even touch that of your colleagues"; "Her persistence and ambition only matches that of her parents"
   • synonyms: equal, rival, touch
5. make correspond or harmonize
   • "Match my sweater"
   • synonyms: fit
6. satisfy or fulfill
   • "meet a need"; "this job doesn't match my dreams"
   • synonyms: cope with, meet
7. give or join in marriage
8. set into opposition or rivalry
   • "let them match their best athletes against ours"; "pit a chess player against the Russian champion"; "He plays his two children off against each other"
   • synonyms: oppose, pit, play off
9. be equal or harmonize
   • "The two pieces match"
10. make equal, uniform, corresponding, or matching
    • "let's equalize the duties among all employees in this office"; "The company matched the discount policy of its competitors"
    • synonyms: equal, equalise, equalize, equate