macho

[ mah-choh ]

adjective

1. having or characterized by qualities considered manly, especially when manifested in an assertive, self-conscious, or dominating way.
2. having a strong or exaggerated sense of power or the right to dominate.

noun

, plural ma·chos.

1. Also macho·ism. assertive or aggressive manliness; machismo.
2. an assertively virile, dominating, or domineering male.

macho

/ ˈmætʃəʊ /

adjective

1. denoting or exhibiting pride in characteristics believed to be typically masculine, such as physical strength, sexual appetite, etc

noun

1. a man who displays such characteristics

MACHO

/ mä′chō /

1. Short for massive astrophysical compact halo object. Any of various massive dark objects, such as a brown dwarf star, black hole, or large planet, found in a galactic halo . MACHOs are thought to make up at least a part of the dark matter that apparently pervades much of the universe.

macho

1. The often exaggerated, aggressive virility of a male: “Jim likes to wear a torn T-shirt and a black leather jacket when he rides his motorcycle. I guess he thinks it makes him look macho.” The original Spanish word means “male.”

Other Words From

• anti·macho adjective
• super·macho noun plural supermachos
• un·macho adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macho¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1925–30; from Spanish: literally, “male,” from Latin masculus; male, masculine

Word History and Origins

Origin of macho¹

C20: from Spanish: male; see machismo

Example Sentences

A secret knowledge that those in uniform are truly “macho” in a way that he will never be?

From Salon

But Hagar’s macho vocals and generic pop-rock songs couldn’t summon the Sherman-tank stomp of the Roth incarnation.

From Los Angeles Times

Always careful to maintain a macho posture, the former president actually gave someone else credit for once—his daughter Ivanka, who he said begged him to do something to support struggling families.

From Slate

“You can really read all of his feelings just from his face. A lot of people played Nick as quite a macho, jock-type character, but he’s more gentle and vulnerable and emotional, and Kit caught that and really captured it. And obviously, he looks very similar to the comics, which was an added bonus.”

From Los Angeles Times

Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara told the inquiry that she struggled "to pick one day" when Covid rules were properly followed inside a "macho" and "toxic" No 10.

From BBC

Related Words

• aggressive
• cocky
• manly
• masculine