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

Some macro consequences of Trump’s policy — such as a comparatively weaker yen — will be a tailwind for the Japanese market, Nishihara added. —Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024

Continued uncertainties about the macro economic environment and the spectre of tariffs are also a concern across the fashion industry. —David Moin, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024

Noun

Citi upgrades Ollie’s to buy from sell Citi says the discount retailer is best positioned in an uncertain macro. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024

Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING bank, said uncertainty over France’s future government and finances is deterring investment and growth. —Tom Nouvian and Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 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