matches
Translation
matches, games
Examples
She lit the candle with one of the matches.
She lit the candle with one of the matches.
We watched two tennis matches yesterday.
We watched two tennis matches yesterday.
Grammar Patterns
matches (plural) sticks for lighting a fire I need some matches to light the fire.
matches (plural) sports games The tennis matches were exciting.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (fire) lighters, kindling; (game) contest, competition
Etymology
The fire-starting 'match' comes from Old French 'meiche' (wick). The 'game' sense comes from the idea of 'matching' opponents against each other.
Memory Tips
Think of striking a match to start a fiery competition (a sports match). This links both meanings.