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

Analyst Siti Panigrahi cited a potential recovery in the industrial data sector as well as an improving macro backdrop could signal upside ahead. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025

In practice that means having multiple initiatives and experiments in play aimed at riding macro forces, as well as responding to substitutes and potential piranhas. —Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2025

Noun

But Deutsche Bank macro strategist Henry Allen said in a note to clients out Monday that the market won’t have the benefit of low expectations in 2025. —Jesse Pound, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2024

The analyst also said the stock is well positioned to benefit from an improving macro and a lighter regulatory environment heading into a new White House administration. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 21 Dec. 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