safety match

noun

: a match capable of being struck and ignited only on a specially prepared friction surface

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of safety match was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near safety match

safetyman

safety match

safety net

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Safety match.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20match. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

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Kids Definition

safety match

noun
: a match that can be struck only on a specially prepared surface

More from Merriam-Webster on safety match

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about safety match

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