matchbox

American  

[mach-boks] / ˈmætʃˌbɒks /

noun

1. a small box, usually of cardboard, for matches. match.

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matchbox British  

/ ˈmætʃˌbɒks /

noun

1. a small box for holding matches

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Etymology

Origin of matchbox

First recorded in 1780–90; match ¹ + box ¹

Example Sentences

He stepped into the dingy lobby of an apartment building, reached his arm behind the radiator, and grabbed a matchbox hanging by a wire.

From Literature

In a matter of months, they transformed the heaps of charred rubble into mostly vacant matchbox lots, ready for rebuilding.

From Los Angeles Times

Her first illusion was turning a penny into a dime using a matchbox.

From Los Angeles Times

South Koreans have described its uniform, rectangular columns as “matchboxes.”

From Los Angeles Times

In this dream, Beatrice sat silently up, two matchboxes over.

From Literature