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

While the UFC, Kid Rock, and entertainment wrestling represent ‘macho’ media, they are also clearly culturally coded as working-class.

From Salon

Breaks were once openly frowned upon — “it’s that tough, macho culture,” said Riva Duncan, former wildland firefighter and vice president of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, an advocacy group made up of retired and current federal firefighters.

From Los Angeles Times

Sheinbaum will become the first female president of a country long cast as a macho wasteland.

From Los Angeles Times

No law prevented female candidates from holding office, but sexism and “macho” culture continue to permeate the country of 129 million people.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• aggressive
• cocky
• manly
• masculine