toreador

noun

to·​re·​a·​dor ˈtȯr-ē-ə-ˌdȯr How to pronounce toreador (audio)
ˈtär-

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Swoon as the immortal Rudolph Valentino struts his stuff in a toreador’s jacket and trousers in this silent 1922 melodrama. Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2022 Along the way came dancing and dueling gypsies, Don Jose wrestling like a raging bull with his feelings, and lavishly dressed Spanish ladies whirling and twirling with blue-clad toreadors. Zachary Lewis, cleveland, 21 Oct. 2019 Would a toreador be insulted when the bull responds to the muleta? Leah Garchik, SFChronicle.com, 19 June 2019 Meanwhile, Carolina Herrera, regal with her toreador posture and helmetlike coif, sits between her husband, Reinaldo, daughter Patricia and granddaughter Carolina. Chloe Malle, WSJ, 6 Dec. 2018 The new album also is notable for Tyner’s piano, which plays the bull to Coltrane’s toreador. Marc Myers, WSJ, 18 June 2018 After the toreador-style welcome, Saturday’s ceremony at Trasierra was quieter, if no less exuberant. Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2018 His owners hope that the famed toreador El Primero (Miguel Angel Silvestre) will choose Ferdinand for the ring. The Washington Post, NOLA.com, 15 Dec. 2017 Max Faulkner mfaulkner@star-telegram.com Baritone Craig Irvin as the macho toreador Escamillo and soprano Kerriann Otaño as the demure Micaëla scored points as well. Olin Chism, star-telegram, 23 Apr. 2017 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'toreador.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from torear to fight bulls, from toro bull, from Latin taurus — more at taurine

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toreador was in 1618

Dictionary Entries Near toreador

Cite this Entry

“Toreador.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toreador. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

toreador

noun
to·​re·​ador
ˈtȯr-ē-ə-ˌdȯ(ə)r,
ˈtōr-,
ˈtär-
: a person who fights bulls : a performer in a bullfight
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