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

Tepper, founder of Appaloosa Management, is known for making concentrated bets across technology, macro and cyclical sectors. —Yun Li, CNBC, 15 May 2026

Permanent white water The macro tailwind is real and unwelcome. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Noun

The macro & fundamental catalyst Exxon is operating in a sweet spot of capital discipline and favorable market dynamics. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 15 May 2026

And now, with greater use of GLP-1s, which comes with a side of interest in tracking macros and intense focus on protein, the La Flaca menu is more popular than ever. —Connie Ogle updated May 15, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026

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