macho

1 of 2

adjective

ma·​cho ˈmä-(ˌ)chō 

: characterized by machismo : aggressively virile

macho

2 of 2

noun

plural machos

1

: one who exhibits machismo

2

: machismo

Synonyms of macho

Noun

• masculinity

Examples of macho in a Sentence

Adjective

the macho world of football

Noun

their annual guys-only hunting trip is a celebration of macho

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In this macho sport, Brunson, Hart and Bridges don’t try to hide their friendship and all of the quirks that come with it. — James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 3 June 2026

But the Republicans’ macho chest-beating does raise a potential problem for them. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026

Noun

And the ultra macho (and sometimes clueless) Rick Ford is having none of this. — Mike Ryan, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025

Lots of macho blather follows about Sergei and Dmitri being soft and needing to become men. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Spanish, literally, male, from Latin masculus — more at masculine

First Known Use

Adjective

1949, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing macho

• anti-macho

Rhymes for macho

• quebracho