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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.


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)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The selloff came after adjusted earnings for the key Macao market fell short, in part due to higher events and payroll costs.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

The company is also positioned for growth in Macao, where it has made investments to improve its business and leisure tourism appeal, Goldstein said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

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