machismo

noun

ma·​chis·​mo mä-ˈchēz-(ˌ)mō 

mə-, 

-ˈkēz- 

-ˈkiz-, 

-ˈchiz-

1

: a strong sense of masculine pride : an exaggerated masculinity

athletes displaying their machismo

2

: an exaggerated or exhilarating sense of power or strength

the administration's machismo in pushing for a new treaty

Synonyms of machismo

• masculinity

Examples of machismo in a Sentence

a culture that prizes machismo and has rigid gender roles

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps in another lifetime, or another novel, Ned would find a way to nourish these intimations of benevolence or even love, refusing to let them be spoiled by his own aspirational machismo. — Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

At the center of it all is an electrifying performance by Robert Pattinson as Hansen, a man who aspires to powerful anchor machismo but is slowly falling apart. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2026

His rage stands as a measure of machismo, as if civility is for wimps. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026

Not That Kind of Man Both parties are focused on machismo at the moment. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from macho

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1