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

Outside of the election prediction game, though, there are plenty of macro tailwinds propelling bitcoin, a bellwether for the broader crypto industry, Adrian Fritz, global head of research for crypto firm 21shares, tells me. —Allison Morrow, CNN, 17 Oct. 2024

The improving macro backdrop on the back of loosening policy bodes well for Meta Platforms too. —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024

Noun

Not a problem, there's one with an illuminated multi-function knob and a bank of six user-assignable keys that can display an icon image of the macro/shortcut selected. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024

Between the popularity of bitcoin ETFs that launched in January, the slowing of the bitcoin supply and a slew of other macro and micro catalysts, many traders are holding out for a price surge. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2024

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