safety match

American  

noun

1. a match designed to ignite only when rubbed on a specially prepared surface.

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safety match British  

noun

1. a match that will light only when struck against a specially prepared surface

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Etymology

Origin of safety match

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

She struck a safety match, and flames roared 20 feet into the air, until only her two out stretched hands were visible.

From Time Magazine Archive

It may be interesting to know that a large match emits about as much light as a burning candle and a so-called safety match about one third as much.

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew

He struck a safety match and held it to the leg of the table.

From Nonsense Novels by Leacock, Stephen

“Have sent,” said his entertainer briefly, as he filled a pipe from the open tobacco box and struck a safety match.

From Found in the Philippines The Story of a Woman's Letters by King, Charles

The outside cover of a small safety match box is given to the first man on each team.

From School, Church, and Home Games by Draper, George Orrin