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matchbook

matchbook

19 4.1
A small paper folder holding a row of matches to light things
  • noun
  • /ˈmæʧˌbʊk/
translation icon : caja de cerillas
  • He struck a match from the matchbook to light the candle.
  • matchbook cover
  • matchbook collection
  • hotel matchbook

So this guy writes his phone number on a matchbook and throws it on the on the desk and say call me.

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Examples

  • I close my book, using a matchbook cover for a bookmark.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • But I took the time to put a matchbook in my purse.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The matchbook stayed on the table all that day and into the next.

  • I came back to my office to dial the number on the matchbook

  • His glance then fell upon the writing on the matchbook that he held in his hand.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • We found this matchbook by Madame Van Dougen's garage.

  • Here, Mrs. Agnew, a couple new matchbooks for your collection.

  • I have many unique matchbooks, in particular from South America, Oslo, and Paris.

    Blog text (14)
  • I reach into my purse for the gold hotel matchbook my father gave me: his beeper number is scribbled inside.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • "Here," he said, handing me a little map he'd drawn on the inside of a Raptures matchbook.

    Fiction book (2002)

Synonyms

matchbox
vsmatchbook
11 1.0

A small box that holds matches

is a folding paper booklet holding flat paper igniters rather than a container
book matches
vsmatchbook
  • US
3.1

A small folded paper cover that holds several matches you light to make a flame

is the single word name for the same folded paper set

How Many Matches

matchbox
11 1.0
matchbook
19 4.1
match
176 1.0

Surface Forms

matchbook singular
matchbooks plural

Morphology

matchbook = match + book (transparent) = match + book

The meaning 'a small booklet containing matches' is directly and predictably composed from 'match' + 'book'.

Etymology

Matchbook comes from match ('a small stick used to make fire') and book ('a small paper book'). It was named because this tiny folder looks like a little book holding rows of matches, so the name tells you both what it looks like and what it is used for.