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

The budget is likely to retain a focus on devolution, greater public control of public services and more private sector partnerships, but contain little to change the macro outlook, Monks said in a note Monday. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Kristian Kerr, head of macro strategy for LPL Financial, pointed to the spread between French and German 10-year yields as a key indicator, with 90 basis points historically serving as a ceiling during times of fiscal stress. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

Noun

Rick Bensignor, a veteran macro and technical strategist now at Bensignor Investment Strategies, reads the tape as saying that tech has peaked in relative terms and healthcare and financials are better positioned. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Instant pudding joins mac and cheese, waffles, cereal and ice cream on the growing list of childhood staples reformulated for shoppers tracking macros. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

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