matchstick

American  

[mach-stik] / ˈmætʃˌstɪk /

noun

1. a short, slender piece of flammable wood used in making matches. match.

2. something that suggests a matchstick, as in thinness or fragility.

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matchstick British  

/ ˈmætʃˌstɪk /

noun

1. the wooden part of a match

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adjective

1. made with or as if with matchsticks

   a matchstick model

2. (esp of figures drawn with single strokes) thin and straight

   matchstick men

Etymology

Origin of matchstick

First recorded in 1785–95; match ¹ + stick ¹

Example Sentences

He was popular, but for a long time the critics condescended to him, calling him a lightweight Sunday painter and deriding him for his “matchstick” figures.

From The Wall Street Journal

The painting, of the now lost landmark, sold for £1,700 and features his distinctive style with a boxy depiction of a brewery train and matchstick figures.

From BBC

He also ran a clothing business and a matchstick factory.

From BBC

This weekend, LS Lowry will also be added to the list when a new, free immersive experience brings his trademark matchstick men to life at Salford's Lowry arts centre.

From BBC

In the fires, palms went up with a whoosh, like matchsticks in hell.

From Los Angeles Times