- 1[countable] a small stick made of wood or thick paper that is used for lighting a fire, cigarette, etc. a box of matches to strike/light a match (= to make it burn) If you suspect a gas leak do not strike a match or use electricity. in sports
- 2[countable] a sports event in which people compete against each other a tennis/golf match to win/lose a match see shooting match, shouting match
- 3[singular] a match for somebody somebody's match a person who is equal to someone else in strength, skill, intelligence, etc. I was no match for him at tennis. I was his match at tennis. someone or something that combines well
- 4[singular] a person or thing that combines well with someone or something else The curtains and rug are a good match. Christy and John are a perfect match for each other. something the same
- 5[countable] a thing that looks exactly the same as or very similar to something else I've found a vase that is an exact match of the one I broke. This paint is a close enough color match to the original. marriage
- 6[countable] (old-fashioned) a marriage or a marriage partner He was determined that his daughter should make a good match (= find a suitable husband). see love match Idioms
for lighting fires
to meet someone who is equal to, or even better than you in strength, skill, or intelligence He thought he could beat anyone at chess but he's met his match in Peter.
Check pronunciation: match