matchbox

American  

[mach-boks] / ˈmætʃˌbɒks /

noun

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

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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

These so-called inertial navigation units, which range from the size of a matchbox to that of a Kleenex box, can be made for use in the air, on land, underground or underwater.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

The party turned out to be on a roof that could be accessed only through a window too small to fit the matchbox.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

This is what we call a major plot twist, one that will continue to bear fruit if the green matchbox from Sam’s restaurant is to be believed.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2023

I scraped it against the matchbox and it sputtered into flame.

From "The Honest Truth" by Dan Gemeinhart