ENGLISH
REFERENCE

matches

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈmætʃəz// UK //mˈætʃɪz// match·es

n. small wooden or cardboard sticks used to start a fire. You rub the tip against a rough surface to make a flame.

n. short, slender pieces of wood or cardboard tipped with a chemical substance that ignites by friction.


SIMPLE

He struck one of the matches to light the candle.

CONTEXTUAL

Keep the box of matches in a dry place so they are easy to light when you go camping.

COMPLEX

Despite the damp conditions in the forest, she managed to strike several matches in quick succession until the kindling finally caught fire.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural form 'matches' when referring to the contents of a box.

Idioms1 entry

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