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

Halford lived for years as a closeted gay man in the simultaneously macho and camp world of heavy metal. —Catherine Bray, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026

In this week’s show, there were slinky fabrics and macho outerwear, and scraps of fur over jersey dresses clinging to terrific asses of all sizes. —Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026

Noun

Hemsworth brings interesting shadings to his role, showcasing the requisite amount of Steve McQueen-style macho cool (the iconic actor is pointedly referenced) but also conveying Davis’ increasing fear and vulnerability. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026

The adventure centers on misfits stuck in a fantasy world that makes the most of their creativity, with an unhinged Jack Black singing about lava chicken and a hilariously macho Jason Momoa gamely taking the brunt of the gags. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 June 2025

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