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

Lost during last week’s inquisition into the Hail Mary and botched fullback dive was a careful examination of more macro issues the Bears are dealing with. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024

When macro and trading conditions change, so too do the drivers of returns within a diversified portfolio. —Karl Rogers, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Noun

Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING, meanwhile said that inflation was expected to rise further in the last two months of 2024 and then stay between 2% and 3% throughout next year. —Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024

This is the 6th edition of the annual competition dedicated to highlighting the best in close-up, macro, and micro photography. —New Atlas, 29 Oct. 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