A matchbox is a container or case for matches, made of cardboard, thin wood, or metal, generally in the form of a box with a separate drawer sliding inside the cover. Matchboxes generally measure 5 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm, and commonly have coarse striking surfaces on the edges for lighting the matches. Cylindrical matchboxes with a round cover on one end are also available. For many applications matchbooks have replaced matchboxes.
English
Pronunciation
Etymology 1
From match + box.
Noun
matchbox (plural matchboxes)
- A small cardboard box in which matches are kept.
Derived terms
Translations
Etymology 2
From the die-cast toy car brand Matchbox owned by Mattel, so-called due to the size of the toys to fix in matchboxes.
Noun
matchbox (plural matchboxes)
- Any small, die-cast toy car, usually a collectible.