matador

noun

mat·​a·​dor ˈma-tə-ˌdȯr How to pronounce matador (audio)
: a bullfighter who has the principal role and who kills the bull in a bullfight

Examples of matador in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But there’s a mesmerizing grace to the savage spectacle that can’t be denied, particularly in the way that the animals’ movements are echoed by those of the matador. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Sep. 2024 Ana Ortiz – Bender’s love interest, Marquita: As Marquita, champion of the robot matadors, Bender’s tutor in the noble art of bug fighting… and the love of Bender’s life. Bruce Haring, Deadline, 27 July 2024 In February, Architectural Digest published a profile of Sofía Vergara, in which the actress credited Nader for her purchase of two pieces by Botero, a large painting of a matador and a black sculpture of a round, inflated horse. Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2024 Andrés Roca Rey, a Peruvian matador, struggled to kill his second and final bull of the night with a sword. James Wagner Luis Antonio Rojas, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for matador 

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from matar to kill

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of matador was in 1681

Dictionary Entries Near matador

Cite this Entry

“Matador.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matador. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

matador

noun
mat·​a·​dor ˈmat-ə-ˌdȯ(ə)r How to pronounce matador (audio)
: the bullfighter who plays the major human part in a bullfight
Etymology

Spanish, literally "killer"

More from Merriam-Webster on matador

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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