macaw

noun

ma·​caw mə-ˈkȯ 

: any of numerous parrots (especially genus Ara) of South and Central America including some of the largest and showiest of parrots

Illustration of macaw

Examples of macaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Home to thousands of plants and more than 400 bird species, like the elusive quetzal and scarlet macaw, the region beckons to travelers with its varied topography and wildlife. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026

Between Chile and Argentina, Tompkins has helped engineer one of the largest rewilding initiatives on Earth, restoring predators, grazers, and vital bird species — including pumas, huemuls, and macaws. —The Editors, Outside, 18 Mar. 2026

White terrazzo marble floors with cracks that are certainly well earned by the likes of dancing stilettos, dropped Champagne bottles, and jade macaws thrown in rage. —Jason Sheeler, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026

Atop a marble fireplace were a medley of ceramic bird figurines, including a large chicken and a scarlet macaw. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese (now obsolete) macao

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for macaw

• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada
• esau

Kids Definition

macaw

noun

ma·​caw mə-ˈkȯ 

: any of numerous parrots of South and Central America that have a long tail, a harsh voice, and bright feathers