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 macro 2026 mission will be to mine moments of impact from the young players, as shown by Caleb Douglas, Jacob Rodriguez, Chris Bell and Michael Taaffe in Las Vegas, and to augment them, start stacking them up. — Keven Lerner, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Its valuation can start to look expensive fast once the earnings start revising lower and macro conditions deteriorate. — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Noun

Balancing your macros, rather than loading up on carbs, is one of the best ways to manage blood sugar levels. — Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026

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

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