match

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
  2. noun a formal contest in which two or more persons or teams compete
  3. noun a burning piece of wood or cardboard

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”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

lucifer, friction match

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