macho

1 of 2

adjective

ma·​cho ˈmä-(ˌ)chō 

: characterized by machismo : aggressively virile

macho

2 of 2

noun

plural machos

1

: one who exhibits machismo

2

: machismo

Synonyms

Noun

• machismo
• manhood
• manliness
• masculinity
• virility

Examples of macho in a Sentence

Adjective

the macho world of football

Noun

their annual guys-only hunting trip is a celebration of macho

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Saxon has consistently bullied Lochlan, mocking his alleged virginity and trying to reshape him into a more aggressive, macho male image. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025

Shōgun hulu Sons of Anarchy Years: 2008-2014 Length: 7 seasons, 92 episodes Creator: Kurt Sutter Kurt Sutter’s macho reimagining of Hamlet in the world of a California motorcycle gang often gets a bad rap as nothing more than macho posturing. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025

Noun

Lots of macho blather follows about Sergei and Dmitri being soft and needing to become men. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024

An ode to Arnold Palmer The rally, at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, named for the late champion pro golfer, was a macho and, at times, off-color affair. —Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Spanish, literally, male, from Latin masculus — more at masculine

First Known Use

Adjective

1949, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing macho

• anti-macho

Rhymes for macho

• quebracho