matching

adjective

match·​ing ˈma-chiŋ How to pronounce matching (audio)
1
of two or more things
a
: going together well : suitably paired or used together
matching colors
… a formfitting navy Armani suit and matching pumps …Leslie Bennetts
b
: having the same appearance, design, etc.
In their matching yellow jumpsuits and white T-shirts they looked like gateposts marking the entrance to the house.Ann M. Martin
Meanwhile, over the past few months, Kylie Jenner and Pia Mia have been sighted in matching outfits on more than one occasion while shopping and lunching in LA.Erika Stalder
2
: forming part of a pair or set
searched the clean laundry for a matching sock
3
: equal in amount
made matching contributions
especially : equal in amount to money obtained from another source
… a proposal that he has sponsored in the legislature would provide $25-50 million in matching funds for biotechnology research and development to companies choosing Louisiana as their base. Stephen Budiansky

Examples of matching in a Sentence

was fond of dressing the twins in matching outfits
Recent Examples on the Web Created by British artist Jonathan Yeo, the painting portrays the king holding a sword and wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards, which blends into a matching red backdrop. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024 Wild Fable Open Weave Crochet Shorts These open weave crochet cover-up shorts work just as well on their own paired with a tank or bikini top for the beach, or with the matching top. Megan Schaltegger, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2024 The new landmark looks over the river with a 722-foot tower and a matching 722-foot tower across the border in Windsor. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 14 May 2024 While her father opted to dress casually in black slacks and a matching pullover sweater, Lea attended the event wearing a colorful pink dress and sparkly blue shoes. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 14 May 2024 Behind the musicians, sculptures of bright pink disembodied legs and a matching pink unicorn in medieval armor add trippy ambience. Renée Reizman, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024 But her matching wispy gown looked like someone draped a bolt of tulle over a fit model. Merle Ginsberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 May 2024 Picture this: a sleek slate-grey ultra-mini skort paired with a matching jacket and a creamy low-cut top. Alex Kessler, Vogue, 3 May 2024 Onstage, León looked like any other country act, sporting a sleeveless button-up shirt and a matching cowboy hat. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'matching.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of matching was in 1630

Dictionary Entries Near matching

Cite this Entry

“Matching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matching. Accessed 20 May. 2024.

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