Match Up

Click a word, then click its matching definition. Connect all pairs to complete the set. Try to do it without mistakes for a perfect score!

A1 – C2 Vocabulary Timed Free

Choose a vocabulary set

Score: 0
Pairs: 0/8
Time: 0s
🎉

All Matched!

Time: 0s

Mistakes: 0

All Exercises

How to play Match Up

Words appear on the left column and definitions (or translations) appear on the right. Click any word to select it (it turns orange), then click its matching definition. If you're right, both items turn green and stay in place. If you're wrong, both flash red and you can try again.

A timer starts from your first click. Try to match all pairs as quickly as possible with as few mistakes as possible for the best performance.

Why matching exercises build vocabulary

Matching exercises occupy a powerful position in the vocabulary learning spectrum. They test recognition vocabulary — the words you understand when you encounter them — which is the foundation for all higher-level language use including reading, listening, and eventually speaking and writing.

The two-click selection process forces you to hold a word in working memory while scanning for its match. This brief cognitive holding period strengthens the word-meaning connection more than simple reading would.

Learning tip: After completing a set, cover the words and try to recall all the definitions from memory — then cover the definitions and recall the words. This reversed recall doubles your retention of each pair.

Match Up versus other vocabulary exercises

Match Up is ideal at the beginning of a vocabulary session because it introduces words in context. Use it in this sequence for maximum retention:

  • Step 1 — Match Up: Get introduced to the word-definition connection.
  • Step 2 — Flash Cards: Test active recall without any visual cues.
  • Step 3 — Multiple Choice Quiz: Apply recognition under timed pressure with distractors.
  • Step 4 — Anagram or Hangman: Encode the spelling of each word.

Related exercises

  • Matching Pairs — a memory card game version where you flip tiles to find pairs.
  • Find the Match — similar but with images paired to words.
  • Group Sort — categorise words into groups instead of one-to-one matching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I play Match Up?
Click any word in the left column to select it — it turns orange. Then click its matching definition in the right column. If the pair is correct, both items turn green and remain highlighted. If wrong, both flash red briefly and you can try again. Match all pairs to complete the set.
What vocabulary sets are included in Match Up?
There are nine vocabulary sets: Basic Adjectives, Common Verbs, Places and Nouns, Feelings and Emotions, Academic Words, Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, Business English, and Collocations. Each set contains 8–12 word-definition pairs that are shuffled randomly each game.
How does Match Up work on mobile devices?
Match Up uses a tap-based selection system on mobile — no drag and drop required. Simply tap a word to select it, then tap its definition. All items have a minimum touch target height of 56 pixels, making the exercise comfortable to use on smartphones and tablets without accidentally hitting the wrong item.
Is there a scoring system in Match Up?
Yes. You earn 10 points for each correct match. A timer starts from your first click and runs until all pairs are found. At the end, your final score is calculated combining the number of correct matches, the time taken, and the number of mistakes — fewer mistakes and faster completion give a higher score.
Why does definition-matching work well for some learners?
Definition matching builds recognition vocabulary — the words you understand when you read or hear them. The two-step selection process (pick word, then find definition) forces you to hold the word in working memory while scanning for its meaning. This brief cognitive holding period creates a stronger word-meaning bond than passive reading.
How many word pairs are in each Match Up set?
Most sets contain 8 pairs, which produces a manageable and focused game session. Larger sets like Basic Adjectives contain up to 12 pairs, but only 8 are selected randomly per game to keep the grid clean and the session under five minutes.
Which CEFR levels does Match Up cover?
Match Up spans the full A1–C2 range. The Basic Adjectives and Common Verbs sets target A1–B1, the Idioms and Phrasal Verbs sets cover B1–B2, and the Academic Words set reaches B2–C1. The Business English and Collocations sets are suitable for B2–C2 learners.
Does the Phrasal Verbs set cover separable and inseparable verbs?
The Phrasal Verbs set in Match Up focuses on meaning recognition — matching each phrasal verb to its definition. It includes eight common phrasal verbs such as Put off, Look after, Give up, Come across, Carry on, Run out of, Bring up, and Turn down, drawn from B1–B2 level usage.
What does the Business English set include?
The Business English set covers eight core business terms including Deadline, Stakeholder, Revenue, Negotiate, Outsource, Agenda, Forecast, and Invoice. These are high-frequency words in workplace communication and are tested at B2–C1 level in Cambridge and IELTS Business examinations.
What is in the Collocations set?
The Collocations set tests eight common verb-noun partnerships: Make a decision, Take a risk, Pay attention, Keep a promise, Break the law, Save time, Catch a cold, and Do homework. Collocations are among the hardest aspects of English for learners because dictionaries rarely teach which verbs pair with which nouns.
Use this exercise in your lessons

Embed this exercise on your website or blog — no sign-up required.