English Reference
adjective · noun · verb

matching

adj. · n. · v.
US /ˈmætʃɪŋ/ UK /mˈætʃɪŋ/ match·ing UK spelling matchings

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.having the same color, pattern, or style as something else.

    adj.having an identical or very similar appearance, typically in terms of color, pattern, or design.

    Simple

    The twins were wearing matching blue sweaters for the family photo.

    In context

    The interior designer selected matching curtains and cushions to create a sense of visual harmony throughout the living room.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    adj.designed to be used together as a set.

    adj.constituting a complementary part of a pair or a set.

    Simple

    I can't find the matching sock for this one anywhere.

    In context

    The antique dealer confirmed that the matching chair was currently held in a private collection in Europe.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the process of putting two things together because they are similar or belong together.

    n.the process or act of finding a suitable partner or equivalent for something.

    Simple

    The matching of students with local mentors has been very successful.

    In context

    The algorithm handles the matching of organ donors to recipients based on a complex set of medical criteria.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.the -ing form of the verb 'match', used when two things are equal or go well together.

    v.the present participle of 'match', used in continuous tenses to describe the act of being equal or finding a counterpart.

    Simple

    She is matching the paint colors to the fabric of the sofa.

    In context

    By matching the fingerprints found at the scene to the database, the investigators were able to identify a suspect within hours.

    equallingpairingsuiting

Brands may get better results by matching animal-welfare and environmental messages to the way their target consumers think about the present and the future.

Phys.org· 20 Aug 2026

As a result, if two groups of immune cells carry matching mutations, they are highly likely to share the same origin.

ScienceDaily· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated