Understanding Match and Term Queries

Elasticsearch Match vs Term Query

When to use full-text match vs exact term filters

By Sharanmeet Singh
Tags:ElasticsearchOpenSearchMatchTermSearch Queries

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Match vs Term Query

In Elasticsearch/OpenSearch, queries behave differently depending on the analyzer.


Match Query

{
  "query": {
    "match": { "title": "Quick Brown Fox" }
  }
}
  • Text is analyzed
  • Useful for full-text search

Term Query

{
  "query": {
    "term": { "status": "active" }
  }
}
  • No analysis
  • Exact match only

Rule of Thumb

  • Use match for search boxes
  • Use term for filters and keywords

Mistake: Developers often use term on analyzed fields and get empty results.

Elasticsearch Match vs Term Query | QueryBoss