phillumenist

American  

[fi-loo-muh-nist] / fɪˈlu mə nɪst /

noun

1. a collector of matchbooks and matchboxes.

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phillumenist British  

/ fɪˈljuːmənɪst, -ˈluː- /

noun

1. a person who collects matchbox labels

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Other Word Forms

• phillumeny noun

Etymology

Origin of phillumenist

1940–45; phil- + Latin lūmen light + -ist

Explanation

Many people like to collect things. A phillumenist collects match-related items, most commonly matchbook covers, matchboxes, and matchbox labels. The word phillumenist was coined in 1943 by Marjorie S. Evans, who later became the leader of the British Matchbox Label and Booklet Society. She combined the Greek philos, meaning "loving," with the Latin word lumen, meaning "light," and the suffix -ist, "a person who does something." Historically, matchbooks were a primary form of cheap advertising for restaurants, hotels, and airlines. Many vintage matchboxes and labels feature beautiful, intricate designs, so collecting them appeals to both art and history lovers.

Example Sentences

Eventually she became a full-bore phillumenist, the technical term for matchbook collectors.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2023