noun

matchbook

Matchbook (noun) means a small cardboard folder holding rows of paper matches, with a striking surface on the cover. Example: “He grabbed a matchbook from the diner counter to light his cigarette.”

noun

A small cardboard folder holding rows of paper matches, with a striking surface on the cover.

"He grabbed a matchbook from the diner counter to light his cigarette."

How to use matchbook

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA pocket-sized cardboard booklet of paper matches, once commonly given away by bars and restaurants.

Word forms

matchbooks plural, matchbooks plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “matchbook” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He grabbed a _____ from the diner counter to light his cigarette.

Etymology

From match plus book, dating to the 1890s when the folded-cardboard format was developed.

· First attested 1890

Class of 1890 matchbook joined the language around 1890.

bangs brunch diesel fink gook

See the full Class of 1890 →

Rhymes for matchbook

ook book look cook rook hook nook kook sook fook mook wook

See all rhymes for matchbook →

Frequently asked questions

What does “matchbook” mean?

The word “matchbook” means a small cardboard folder holding rows of paper matches, with a striking surface on the cover. In plain terms, a pocket-sized cardboard booklet of paper matches, once commonly given away by bars and restaurants.

How do you use “matchbook” in a sentence?

Here is “matchbook” used in a sentence: “He grabbed a matchbook from the diner counter to light his cigarette.”

What part of speech is “matchbook”?

“Matchbook” is a noun.

Where does the word “matchbook” come from?

The word “matchbook” dates back to around 1890. From match plus book, dating to the 1890s when the folded-cardboard format was developed.