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

Major hospitality companies Hilton, Hyatt and Wyndham also cut their full-year outlooks, citing the challenging macro environment and softening consumer demand amid concerns that travelers are holding off on trips. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

The company’s performance comes against a macro backdrop that’s been tough and could be getting tougher. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025

Noun

Explainability was embedded at both macro (model-wide) and micro (per-transaction) levels to meet compliance and internal audit standards. —Chris Brown, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to a host of complications known as micro (small) and macro (large) vascular issues. —Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025

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