Definition of match

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match¹    (mch) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. One that is exactly like another; a counterpart.
   2. One that is like another in one or more specified qualities: He is John's match for bravery.
2. One that is able to compete equally with another: The boxer had met his match.
3. 1. One that closely resembles or harmonizes with another: The napkins were a nice match for the tablecloth.
   2. A pair, each one of which resembles or harmonizes with the other: The colors were a close match.
4. Sports
   1. A game or contest in which two or more persons, animals, or teams oppose and compete with each other: a soccer match.
   2. A tennis contest won by the player or side that wins a specified number of sets, usually two out of three or three out of five.
5. A marriage or an arrangement of marriage: a royal match.
6. A person viewed as a prospective marriage partner.

VERB:
matched, match·ing, match·es
VERB:
tr.

1. 1. To be exactly like; correspond exactly.
   2. To be like with respect to specified qualities.
2. To resemble or harmonize with: The coat matches the dress.
3. To adapt or suit so that a balanced or harmonious result is achieved; cause to correspond: You should match your deeds to your beliefs.
4. To find or produce a counterpart to: It's difficult to match the color of old paint.
5. To fit together or cause to fit together.
6. To join or give in marriage.
7. To place in opposition or competition; pit: She matched her skill against all comers.
8. To provide with an adversary or competitor.
9. To do as well as or better than in competition; equal.
10. To set in comparison; compare: beauty that could never be matched.
11. To provide funds so as to equal or complement: The government will match all private donations to the museum.
12. To flip or toss (coins) and compare the sides that land face up.
13. To couple (electric circuits) by means of a transformer.

VERB:
intr.

To be a close counterpart; correspond.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English macche, from Old English gemæcca, companion, mate; see mag- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
matcher(Noun)