match·mak·er / ˈmachˌmākər/ • n. a person who arranges relationships and marriages between others, either informally or, in certain cultural communities, as a formal occupation. ∎ fig. a person or company that brings parties together for commercial purposes.DERIVATIVES: match·mak·ing / -ˌmāking/ n.

434. Matchmaking

1. Kecal marriage broker whose plans are foiled by a pair of lovers. [Czech Opera: Smetana The Bartered Bride in Osborne Opera, 32]
2. Levi, Dolly personable marriage broker who manages to make an excellent match for herself. [Am. Lit.: Thornton Wilder The Matchmaker ; Am. Theater: Hello, Dolly! in On Stage, 454]
3. Woodhouse, Emma mistakenly thinks she has a talent for finding mates for her young friends. [Br. Lit.: Jane Austen Emma ]

Matricide (See MURDER .)