picador

noun

pic·​a·​dor ˈpi-kə-ˌdȯr 

ˌpi-kə-ˈdȯr

plural picadors ˈpi-kə-ˌdȯrz 

ˌpi-kə-ˈdȯrz

or picadores ˌpi-kə-ˈdȯr-ēz 

: a horseman in a bullfight who jabs the bull with a lance to weaken its neck and shoulder muscles

Examples of picador in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Serra details the ritualized battles, from the wounding of bulls by picadors to the matador’s climactic kill, and observes Roca being dressed in his elaborate costumes by a skilled associate. —Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 20 June 2025

There is some merit in both views, and few people on either side will miss Mr. Trump’s wandering ruminations and his jousts with his media picadors. —Conrad Black, National Review, 28 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from picar to prick, from Vulgar Latin *piccare — more at pike

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for picador

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• blastopore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore

Kids Definition

picador

noun

pic·​a·​dor ˈpik-ə-ˌdȯ(ə)r 

plural picadors -ˌdȯ(ə)rz  or picadores ˌpik-ə-ˈdōr-ēz 

-ˈdȯr-

: a rider on horseback in a bullfight who jabs the bull with a lance