matchmaker

[ mach-mey-ker ]

/ ˈmætʃˌmeɪ kər /

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.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

matching, matchless, matchlessly, matchlist, matchlock, matchmaker, matchmaking, matchmark, matchstick, matchup, matchwood

Origin of matchmaker

First recorded in 1630–40; match² + maker

Related formsmatch·mak·ing, noun, adjective

Definition for matchmaker (2 of 2)

matchmaker

[ mach-mey-ker ]

/ ˈmætʃˌmeɪ kər /

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

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
I never knew, nor read of, not even in the most unnatural novels, an American father who was a matchmaker.
Miss Ravenel's conversion from secession to loyalty|J. W. de Forest

Apparently a sort of master of the ceremonies at Finnish weddings, corresponding to the Russian svat, or matchmaker.
Kalevala, Volume I (of 2)|Anonymous
The important part which he plays in marriage ceremonies has led to his becoming the matchmaker among all respectable castes.
The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV|R.V. Russell
And suppose she should turn the tables and want to be my matchmaker?
Fifty Contemporary One-Act Plays|Various
Matchmaker by choice and instinct, Mrs. Blondin could not help herself.
The Wolves of God|Algernon Blackwood

British Dictionary definitions for matchmaker (1 of 2)

matchmaker

/ (ˈmætʃˌmeɪkə) /

noun

a person who brings together suitable partners for marriage

a person who arranges competitive matches

Derived Formsmatchmaking, noun, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for matchmaker (2 of 2)

matchmaker

/ (ˈmætʃˌmeɪkə) /

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

matchmaker

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