matador

American  

[mat-uh-dawr] / ˈmæt əˌdɔr /

noun

1. the principal bullfighter in a bullfight who passes the bull with a muleta and then, in many countries, kills it with a sword thrust; a torero.

2. one of the principal cards in skat and certain other games.

3. (initial capital letter) a jet-powered U.S. surface-to-surface missile.

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matador British  

/ ˈmætədɔː /

noun

1. the principal bullfighter who is appointed to kill the bull

2. (in some card games such as skat) one of the highest ranking cards

3. a game played with dominoes in which the dots on adjacent halves must total seven

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Etymology

Origin of matador

1665–75; < Spanish, equivalent to mata ( r ) to kill (perhaps < Vulgar Latin *mattāre, presumed derivative of Late Latin mattus soft, weak; matte ¹ ) +- dor -tor

Compare meaning

How does matador compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• toreador vs. matador

Example Sentences

We meet Iñaki, the manager here who is appropriately more matador than barkeep.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2025

Married couple Juan and Juan are also pleased to hear that a matador has come out, but don't quite see eye to eye on the broader issue.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2024

We will see a Charlo that will attempt to use his speed, and move in and out and try to keep Álvarez at distance — a matador trying to keep the Mexican bull at bay.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2023

“Colombia’s art and culture must endure,” the matador, Jelain Fresneda, said after the difficult bout, shaking dust off his tight-fitting suit.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 20, 2023

The child was doubly mistaken, for in the first place she meant matador, and in the second place there was no matador, just a bright red steam locomotive.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood