match

Universal Words noun, verb noun for lighting fires 1 [C] a small stick made of wood or cardboard that is used for lighting a fire, cigarette, etc: a box of matches * to strike a match (= to make it burn) * to put a match to sth (= set fire to sth) * If you suspect a gas leak do not strike a match or use electricity. * He took all her letters into the yard and put a match to them. in sport 2 [C] (especially BrE) a sports event where people or teams compete against each other: (BrE) a football match * (AmE, BrE) a tennis match * They are playing an important match against Liverpool on Saturday. seealsoSLANGINGMATCH an equal 3 [sing.] a ~ for sb