used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
bird's-eyeadjective
as from an altitude or distance
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
blazingadjectiveUS /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
terminate
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
brimstonenounUS /ˈbrɪmstoʊn/
an old name for sulfur
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
the act of burning something
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
clothingnounUS /ˈkloʊðɪŋ/
a covering designed to be worn on a person's body
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
draperiesnounUS /ˈdreɪpəriz/
plural of “drapery” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
divisible by two
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
fliesnounUS /flaɪz/
(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
forbiddenadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪd.ən/
Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
set afire or burning
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
lodgingnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪŋ/
structures collectively in which people are housed
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
matchesnounUS /ˈmætʃəz/
plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
and nothing more
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
red-hotadjective
having strong sexual appeal
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
resultedverbUS /rɪˈzʌltɪd/
past form of “result” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
safestadjectiveUS /ˈseɪfəst/
superlative of “safe” — free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
salenounUS /seɪl/
a particular instance of selling
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Parlor matches, so called, are dangerous, as they break easily and the blazing head flies off, lodging in clothing, draperies, or furniture.
put, fix, force, or implant
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
not in physical motion
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
in or at that place or location
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
tinnounUS /tɪn/
a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
From this reading Common matches should be kept in a tin box; they should be used carefully, and never thrown away while they are burning, or even while the stick is still red-hot.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
the act of using
From this reading Safety matches can be lighted only on their own box, and are, therefore, the safest match to use.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading _What happened while they were playing this game?_ _What are matches made for?_ _How should they be used?_ There are several kinds of matches,--brimstone matches, parlor matches, bird's-eye matches, and safety matches.
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading The sale of parlor matches is forbidden by law in New York City on account of the great number of fires which have resulted from their use.
