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

In macro terms, any urban economist worth their salt will tell you that the money that goes into providing better transit service multiplies throughout the local economy. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026

Its long focal length, oversized sensor (for a compact), and relatively wide aperture combine to create background blur, most noticeable when there is some distance between the subject and the background, or when working at macro distances. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026

Noun

Zoom out to the macro and the shape gets stranger still. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Volume quickly reached roughly $1 billion a day in crude oil alone, said Stephen Coltman, 21shares vice president and head of macro. — Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 6 June 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