noun

matchstick

MACHS-tihk

Matchstick (noun) means the slender wooden or cardboard stick that forms part of a match. Example: “He used a matchstick to clean under his fingernail.”

noun

The slender wooden or cardboard stick that forms part of a match.

"He used a matchstick to clean under his fingernail."

Anything shaped like a thin, small stick.

"She sliced the carrots into thin matchstick strips."

How to use matchstick

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe thin wooden stick part of a match, or anything shaped similarly.

Common pairings

matchstick figure matchstick legs

Word forms

matchsticks plural

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He used a _____ to clean under his fingernail.

Etymology

From match plus stick.

Frequently asked questions

What does “matchstick” mean?

The word “matchstick” means the slender wooden or cardboard stick that forms part of a match. In plain terms, the thin wooden stick part of a match, or anything shaped similarly.

How do you pronounce “matchstick”?

“Matchstick” is pronounced MACHS-tihk (/ˈmætʃstɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “matchstick” in a sentence?

Here is “matchstick” used in a sentence: “He used a matchstick to clean under his fingernail.”

What part of speech is “matchstick”?

“Matchstick” is a noun.

How many meanings does “matchstick” have?

“Matchstick” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the slender wooden or cardboard stick that forms part of a match.