Macao

American  

[muh-kou] / məˈkaʊ /

noun

1. a Portuguese overseas territory in S China, in the delta of the Zhu Jiang River and including two small adjacent islands. 6 sq. mi. (16 sq. km).

2. the seaport and capital of this territory.

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Macao British  

/ məˈkaʊ /

noun

1. Portuguese name: Macau.  a special administrative region of China, in the south of the country, across the estuary of the Zhu Jiang from Hong Kong: chief centre of European trade with China in the 18th century; attained partial autonomy in 1976; formerly (until 1999) a Portuguese overseas province under a long-term lease from China, as with Hong Kong (a UK territory until 1997); transit trade with rest of China; tourism and financial services. It retains its own currency, the pataca. Pop: 583 003 (2013 est). Area: 16 sq km (6 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

I was at Mahjong Palace, a stylish mahjong social club with a monthly residency at Macao Trading Co., a Tribeca restaurant and bar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Anta Sports bought the rights to the Fila trademark in China, Hong Kong and Macao in 2009.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

“We remain enthusiastic about our growth opportunities in both Macao and Singapore as we realize the benefits of our recently completed capital investment programs,” said CEO Robert Goldstein.

From Barron's • Oct. 23, 2025

Shunde District in Foshan has been hit hardest, accounting for over 3,600 cases, while additional infections have appeared in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao.

From Science Daily • Oct. 10, 2025

Then with hold packed with bales of furs, the ship would square away for Macao or Canton, six or eight months more.

From The Columbia River Its History, Its Myths, Its Scenery, Its Commerce by Lyman, William Denison