noun
match
A small stick with a tip that ignites when struck.
She strikes a match to light the candle.
Etymology
The French source meant a wick. The word shifted from a cord that carried fire to the small prepared stick used to start a flame.
More examples
- Keep the matches dry while camping.
- The first match broke before it ignited.
- He dropped the spent match into the ashtray.
Forms
match · matches
Similar words
- lighter
- A reusable device rather than a single combustible stick.
- firelighter
- Usually material for starting a fire, not a striking stick.