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

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

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

Forty miles south is the old Portuguese port of Macao.

From From Egypt to Japan by Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)