Word
matchbox
Phoneticsmatch·box, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmætʃˌbɑks/
UK/mˈætʃbɒks/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small box that holds matches for making fire. You keep one in the kitchen to light candles or a stove.
n. a small rigid container for holding matches, typically with a striking surface on one side.
Examples
“She keeps a matchbox in the kitchen drawer.”
“He strikes a match from the matchbox to light the candles before dinner.”
“The old matchbox in the attic still carries the faded logo of a seaside hotel that closed decades ago.”
Examples
simple
“She keeps a matchbox in the kitchen drawer.”
contextual
“He strikes a match from the matchbox to light the candles before dinner.”
complex
“The old matchbox in the attic still carries the faded logo of a seaside hotel that closed decades ago.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “matchbox” in context.
Verb
01. keep matchbox
“Keep a matchbox in the kitchen for candles.”
verb + noun
02. matchbox rattles
“The matchbox rattled in his bag as he walked.”
noun + verb
03. open matchbox
“Open the matchbox and take out one match.”
verb + noun
04. shake matchbox
“Shake the matchbox to hear if matches are inside.”
verb + noun
05. take from matchbox
“Take one match from the matchbox and light the candle.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
06. empty matchbox
“The empty matchbox has no matches left inside.”
adj + noun
07. small matchbox
“He keeps a small matchbox in his pocket for camping.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. lid of matchbox
“Close the lid of the matchbox after use.”
noun + prep + noun
09. side of matchbox
“Strike the match on the side of the matchbox.”
noun + prep + noun
10. keep a matchbox handy
“We keep a matchbox handy in the kitchen drawer.”
11. open the small matchbox
“She opened the small matchbox to light the stove.”
12. side of the matchbox
“Strike the match on the side of the matchbox.”
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/matchbox