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match play

American

noun

Golf.

play in which the score is reckoned by counting the holes won by each side.

match play British

noun

golf Compare Stableford stroke play
1. scoring according to the number of holes won and lost
2. ( as modifier )
  
  a matchplay tournament

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

match player noun

Etymology

Origin of match play

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rolapp said that the points system would be simplified and that match play could be introduced at either the Tour Championship or for the entire postseason.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

The top-ranked Korda was tied for fifth place with Narin An when she finished her round, and the top eight advance to match play Saturday.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 5, 2024

Excerpts from a women’s soccer match play on a screen; she says nothing, her slouching body in silent contrast to the athletes’ lean physiques.

From New York Times • Feb. 6, 2024

"It's the perfect start. They got leads early on which is paramount in match play," said captain Luke Donald.

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2023

One of the great things to remember in match play is this—do not strive to win outright with every stroke.

From Lawn Tennis for Ladies by Lambert Chambers, Mrs.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023