macho

1 of 2

adjective

ma·​cho ˈmä-(ˌ)chō How to pronounce macho (audio)
: characterized by machismo : aggressively virile

macho

2 of 2

noun

plural machos
1
: one who exhibits machismo
2

Examples of macho in a Sentence

Adjective the macho world of football Noun their annual guys-only hunting trip is a celebration of macho
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Meanwhile, the always captivating Dafoe, at one point wearing full armor, exhibits a not atypical, full-bodied macho flamboyance as a man who regrets not having a son. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 Is a stirring stick inherently more macho than a spoon, perhaps? Sophie Charara, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
Lots of macho blather follows about Sergei and Dmitri being soft and needing to become men. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024 An ode to Arnold Palmer The rally, at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, named for the late champion pro golfer, was a macho and, at times, off-color affair. Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for macho 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Spanish, literally, male, from Latin masculus — more at masculine

First Known Use

Adjective

1949, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of macho was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near macho

Cite this Entry

“Macho.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macho. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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