macro

1 of 3

adjective

mac·​ro ˈma-(ˌ)krō 

1

: being large, thick, or exceptionally prominent

2

a

: of, involving, or intended for use with relatively large quantities or on a large scale

b

: of or relating to macroeconomics

3

: gross sense 1b

4

: of or relating to a macro lens or to close-up photography

macro

2 of 3

noun

plural macros

: a single computer instruction that stands for a sequence of operations

macro-

3 of 3

combining form

: large : on a large scale

macrofossil

macromolecule

macroscopic

—often used in compounds with a corresponding compound formed with micro-

Examples of macro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

However, focusing too much on the macro story can be dangerous for investors, according to Blackstone Private Equity’s head of Asia, Amit Dixit. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2024

As businesses make their way through multiple challenges posed by unpredictable and volatile macro environments, CEOs should prioritize keeping their eyes peeled on what is at the heart of every business operation—the customer. —Nitin Rakesh, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Noun

Between the popularity of bitcoin ETFs that launched in January, the slowing of the bitcoin supply and a slew of other macro and micro catalysts, many traders are holding out for a price surge. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2024

More cameras are great, but remember there’s a virtual optical 2x telephoto zoom lens here, and this phone can shoot macro for the first time. —David Phelan, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

independent use of macro-

Noun

short for macroinstruction, from macro- + instruction

Combining form

borrowed from Greek makro-, combining form of makrós "long, tall, high, large" — more at meager

First Known Use

Adjective

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun

1959, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing macro

• macro lens

Kids Definition

macro

noun

mac·​ro

ˈmak-rō

plural macros

: a single computer instruction that represents a series of operations

Medical Definition

macro

adjective

mac·​ro ˈmak-(ˌ)rō 

1

: large, thick, or excessively developed

macro layer of the cerebral cortex

2

a

: of or involving large quantities : intended for use with large quantities

a macro procedure in analysis

carrying out a test on a macro scale

b

: gross sense 1b

the macro appearance of a specimen