matchwood

[ mach-wood ]

/ ˈmætʃˌwʊd /

Save This Word!

noun

wood suitable for match.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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. 2023

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