Match

A match is a small, disposable tool used to start a fire. Most matches consist of a wooden or paper shaft with a combustible head that ignites from friction against a rough surface. The term also denotes a contest between two or more competitors or teams, or a pairing of things that are similar or suited to each other.

The first modern friction matches were developed in the 19th century. John Walker of England created an early version in 1827, and safety matches, which require a designated striking surface to ignite, were introduced in the mid- to late 19th century by Swedish inventor Gustaf Erik Pasch and later improved by others. Modern safety matches use controlled formulations to minimize accidental ignition and typically require striking surfaces on matchboxes.

In sports and games, a match is a formal contest between opponents, governed by specific rules. Matches are scheduled on dates and venues and can be part of tournaments or leagues, with outcomes determining standings, advancing rounds, or titles. In everyday language, a good match can also refer to a person or object that complements another in appearance or function.

In computing and linguistics, a match describes a correspondence or pattern that meets a defined criterion, such as a string that matches a regular expression. As a verb, match means to pair, equal, or resemble.