mix-and-match

American

[miks-uhn-mach] / ˈmɪks ənˈmætʃ /

adjective

made up of complementary elements taken from different sets or sources.

a mix-and-match approach to interior decoration.

verb (used with or without object)

to combine in a harmonious or interesting way, as articles of clothing in an ensemble.

mix and match Idioms

Combine different items in a number of ways. For example, The store displayed skirts, blouses, and slacks in colors that one could mix and match. [Mid-1900s]

Etymology

Origin of mix-and-match

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If a mix-and-match England team lost, it would also undermine the new Nations Championship, with each match contributing to a North v South rankings play-off at Twickenham.

From BBC

Across its three floors, the outlet has racks displaying all kinds of trendy apparel, from funky printed t-shirts and weathered jeans to formal office wear for men and women and in-house labels selling Indian or fusion mix-and-match clothes.

From BBC

We already know, from the rise of charcuterie boards, snack plates and the much-debated “girl dinner,” that mix-and-match formats are inherently pleasurable.

From Salon

And if you want something even lighter, or more mix-and-match friendly: enter the tartine.

From Salon

Harbaugh could also be getting both of his running backs to help mix-and-match the operation alongside Kimani Vidal, who inserted himself into the team’s running attack after rookie Omarion Hampton sustained an ankle fracture.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023