macaw

noun

ma·​caw mə-ˈkȯ How to pronounce macaw (audio)
: any of numerous parrots (especially genus Ara) of South and Central America including some of the largest and showiest of parrots

Illustration of macaw

Illustration of macaw

Examples of macaw in a Sentence

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.
Stay at a secluded eco-lodge in the Osa Peninsula, where howler monkeys and scarlet macaws function as your wake-up call. Katrin Kirchhoff, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2025 From the rainforests of Central and South America to the savannas of northern Australia, the world’s equatorial regions are home to thousands of unique bird species, from macaws to toucans to hummingbirds, who thrive in hot and humid environments. Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025 On the other side of the country, just outside Corcovado National Park, stands Lapa Rios Lodge, a 17-bungalow property named for the scarlet macaw (or lapa) . Mona Gable, AFAR Media, 4 Aug. 2025 There’s no word on whether Bert, the green-winged macaw that called both Parrot Jungle and Jungle Island home, would be making his return if the deal happens. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for macaw

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese (now obsolete) macao

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macaw was in 1625

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Macaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macaw. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

macaw

noun
ma·​caw mə-ˈkȯ How to pronounce macaw (audio)
: any of numerous parrots of South and Central America that have a long tail, a harsh voice, and bright feathers

More from Merriam-Webster on macaw

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!