safety match

noun

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

safety match

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of safety match¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

She picked out a can of chicken noodle soup, a quart of milk, a loaf of bread, a bar of soap, a box of safety matches and four tomatoes from a bushel basket.

From Literature

The invention of the safety match helped, too.

From BBC

Two spools of thread, one white chess bishop, and six parts of a jigsaw puzzle...A teaspoon and a closed box of safety matches...A radish, two pennies, a nickel, and a golf ball.

From Literature

It's the stuff that ensures safety matches strike when we want them to - but does not ignite the whole box in our pocket.

From BBC

Q. Is it environmentally better to use safety matches or a fuel-filled lighter to start a fire while camping?

From New York Times