matches

match-es · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of match; small sticks with a combustible tip used to start fires.

  2. 2.

    Plural of match; sports competitions or games.

  3. 3.

    Things that correspond or are equal to something else.

  4. 4.

    (verb) Third person singular of match; corresponds or equals.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    box of matches — A container holding matchsticks
  • •
    book of matches — A small paper folder containing matches
  • •
    perfect matches — Things that correspond exactly

Related words

See also: games, match, matched, matching
Synonyms: contests, games, pairs

Etymology

Plural of match. The fire-starting sense comes from Old French mesche ("wick"). The pairing/competition sense comes from Old English gemæcca ("companion").