matchmaker

¹ American  

[mach-mey-ker] / ˈmætʃˌmeɪ kər /

noun

1. a person who arranges or tries to arrange marriages by introducing possible mates.

2. a person who arranges matches match for athletic contests, especially prizefights and wrestling matches. match.

3. any person, organization, etc., that brings two parties together, as to effect a sale or other transaction.

   an agent serving as a matchmaker between buyers and sellers.

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matchmaker ² American  

[mach-mey-ker] / ˈmætʃˌmeɪ kər /

noun

1. a person who makes matches match for burning.

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matchmaker ¹ British  

/ ˈmætʃˌmeɪkə /

noun

1. a person who brings together suitable partners for marriage

2. a person who arranges competitive matches

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matchmaker ² British  

/ ˈmætʃˌmeɪkə /

noun

1. a person who makes matches (for igniting)

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Other Word Forms

• matchmaking noun

Etymology

Origin of matchmaker¹

First recorded in 1630–40; match ² + maker

Origin of matchmaker²

First recorded in 1635–45; match ¹ + maker

Example Sentences

There are many questions these AZA matchmakers ask themselves before making breeding recommendations, and they extend beyond genetic and personality compatibility: Will these animals be able to create subgroups?

From Los Angeles Times

She once hired a matchmaker, and recently attended a run club.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jay, with his bouffant curly hair and preternatural ability to remember the smallest details, became a de facto musical matchmaker.

From Los Angeles Times

One volunteer matchmaker, an older woman known as Sister Gao, comes each week with dozens of profiles for attendees to browse.

From The Wall Street Journal

That would include major national pet retailers such as PuppySpot as well as California-based operations that market themselves as pet matchmakers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arbitrator
• emissary
• intermediary
• liaison
• mediator
• messenger
• negotiator
• proxy