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

He took one up, eased a stray safety match from his vest pocket, flicked it with his fingernail, and lit up.

From Project Gutenberg

Frey reached in his pocket and pulled out a safety match and flicked it with his fingernail.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. van Warmelo says the instructions were dispatched in a false double-bottom of an ordinary safety match-box.

From Project Gutenberg

After several ineffectual attempts to light this, he discovered it was a safety-match.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg