matchwood

[ mach-wood ]

/ ˈmætʃˌwʊd /

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noun

wood suitable for match.

splinters (def. 1).

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Origin of matchwood

First recorded in 1590–1600; match¹ + wood¹

Words nearby matchwood

match plate, match play, match point, matchstick, match-up, matchwood, matchy-matchy, mate, matelassé, matelot, matelote

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use matchwood in a sentence

Every one was relieved to hear it; for the turf on the roofs of all the black houses and barns was as dry as matchwood.
Katharine Frensham|Beatrice Harraden
On the rise at the end of the township the flames gleamed as they flared from the wooden building, which burned like matchwood.
Colonial Born|G. Firth Scott
Briefly, from six till two you would have said that the earth was being shivered to matchwood and fine powder.
From Capetown to Ladysmith|G. W. Steevens
If one of the wheels gets into a hole one's box is converted into matchwood.
The Red Battle Flyer|Capt. Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen

If they tried fire in such a gale the place would burn like matchwood.
Huntingtower|John Buchan

British Dictionary definitions for matchwood

matchwood

/ (ˈmætʃˌwʊd) /

noun

wood suitable for making matches

splinters or fragmentsthe bomb blew the house to matchwood

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