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  • mix-and-match
    mix-and-match
    adjective
    made up of complementary elements taken from different sets or sources.
  • mix and match
    mix and match
    Combine different items in a number of ways. For example, The store displayed skirts, blouses, and slacks in colors that one could mix and match. [Mid-1900s]

mix-and-match

American  
[miks-uhn-mach] / ˈmɪks ənˈmætʃ /

adjective

  1. made up of complementary elements taken from different sets or sources.

    a mix-and-match approach to interior decoration.


verb (used with or without object)

  1. to combine in a harmonious or interesting way, as articles of clothing in an ensemble.

mix and match Idioms  
  1. Combine different items in a number of ways. For example, The store displayed skirts, blouses, and slacks in colors that one could mix and match. [Mid-1900s]


Etymology

Origin of mix-and-match

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Genesis said it intends to offer Vault shareholders a mix-and-match facility that would enable them to opt for more or less cash or stock, subject to limits.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 6, 2026

I can guarantee you he will be prioritising Premier League survival ahead of FA Cup progress, so we will probably see another mix-and-match selection from him here too.

From BBC Feb. 27, 2025

Delivery often felt easiest on nights when I was low on energy, so I started keeping ingredients for mix-and-match meals on hand.

From Salon Dec. 29, 2024

There is no better place for a virus to mix-and-match and become more virulent than in a pig farm.

From Slate Nov. 21, 2024

“I played a mix-and-match game like this once in a magazine,” said Miguel.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein

By uncovering this natural "mix and match" system and reproducing its underlying principles in the laboratory, the researchers have established a new strategy for designing future cancer therapies.

From Science Daily Jul. 8, 2026

Describing her style as “Moroccan and rustic with a bit of modern elegance,” she told People, “I love to mix and match various styles to form one cohesive look in my home.”

From MarketWatch May 28, 2026

The Dodgers can mix and match for awhile, but a team that prides itself on positioning its starters best for October success finds itself in an awkward position.

From Los Angeles Times May 19, 2026

V-levels will sit alongside A-levels and T-levels, and be equivalent to one A-level, allowing students to mix and match academic and vocational subjects if they want to.

From BBC Mar. 9, 2026

It was a game of mix and match, head and tail.

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd

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