matchmaker

[mach-mey-ker]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR matchmaker ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

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

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.

Origin of matchmaker

First recorded in 1630–40; match² + maker

Related formsmatch·mak·ing, noun, adjective

matchmaker

[mach-mey-ker]

noun

a person who makes matches for burning.

Origin of matchmaker

First recorded in 1635–45; match¹ + maker

Related formsmatch·mak·ing, noun, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for matchmaker

emissary, negotiator, mediator, arbitrator, liaison, messenger, proxy, intermediary, matchmaker, attorney, entrepreneur, referee, dealer, deputy, middleman, intermediate, factor, medium, intercessor, broker

Examples from the Web for matchmaker

Contemporary Examples of matchmaker

The minister of Justice is supposed to be the watchdog of the law, not a matchmaker for the yakuza.
Japan’s Justice Minister to Resign Over Yakuza Ties
Jake Adelstein
October 19, 2012
Every matchmaker contacted admitted to female, and male, clients bringing up the sexually explicit S&M-themed novel.
More Rich, High-Powered Women Are Turning to Matchmakers to Find Love
Paula Froelich
August 15, 2012
You need to clean yourself up, go into dating detox—my book, Become Your Own Matchmaker talks about that.
Jersey Shore's Screwed-Up Matches
Marlow Stern
October 21, 2011

Historical Examples of matchmaker

The matchmaker gesticulated with his hands, and shrugged his shoulders.
Jewish Children
Sholem Naumovich Rabinovich
Sutoto was a member of the Berees, and there the mother was the matchmaker.
The Wonder Island Boys: Adventures on Strange Islands
Roger Thompson Finlay
It isn't always that a matchmaker can be sure of being a benefactor to both sides.
Duffels
Edward Eggleston
A broad, benevolent, encouraging face, the face of a matchmaker.
The Fashionable Adventures of Joshua Craig
David Graham Phillips
Upon the boat, Paul Jacquemin did not leave the side of the matchmaker.
Prince Zilah, Complete
Jules Claretie

British Dictionary definitions for matchmaker

matchmaker

noun

a person who brings together suitable partners for marriage

a person who arranges competitive matches

Derived Formsmatchmaking, noun, adjective

matchmaker

noun

a person who makes matches (for igniting)

Derived Formsmatchmaking, noun, adjective

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

Word Origin and History for matchmaker

also match-maker, "marriage-broker," 1630s, from match (n.2) + maker. Related: Match-making.