macho

[ mah-choh ]

adjective

1. having or characterized by qualities considered manly, especially when manifested in an assertive, self-conscious, or dominating way.
2. having a strong or exaggerated sense of power or the right to dominate.

noun

, plural ma·chos.

1. Also macho·ism. assertive or aggressive manliness; machismo.
2. an assertively virile, dominating, or domineering male.

macho

/ ˈmætʃəʊ /

adjective

1. denoting or exhibiting pride in characteristics believed to be typically masculine, such as physical strength, sexual appetite, etc

noun

1. a man who displays such characteristics

MACHO

/ mä′chō /

1. Short for massive astrophysical compact halo object. Any of various massive dark objects, such as a brown dwarf star, black hole, or large planet, found in a galactic halo . MACHOs are thought to make up at least a part of the dark matter that apparently pervades much of the universe.

macho

1. The often exaggerated, aggressive virility of a male: “Jim likes to wear a torn T-shirt and a black leather jacket when he rides his motorcycle. I guess he thinks it makes him look macho.” The original Spanish word means “male.”

Other Words From

• anti·macho adjective
• super·macho noun plural supermachos
• un·macho adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macho¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1925–30; from Spanish: literally, “male,” from Latin masculus; male, masculine

Word History and Origins

Origin of macho¹

C20: from Spanish: male; see machismo

Example Sentences

He was gentle, mature, came off as intelligent and secure in his masculinity, didn’t get wrapped up in macho rivalries and, most importantly, he treated Sarah like gold.

From Time

Someone may have been infected with the “maricavirus” if they are not “macho” enough.

From Washington Blade

The famously conservative macho action star delves to a level of depth and vulnerability we haven’t seen from him since “Boogie Nights,” and it’s hard to imagine an actor who would be a better fit as the conservative, blue-collar Joe Bell.

From Washington Blade

They’re simply too perfect, their personalities so meticulously designed to balance macho cred with sensitive masculinity that they can withstand no external pressure.

From Time

Exotic animals “reinforce your own identity and bring you social attention, which is very, very rewarding for human beings,” says Coren“If I’ve tamed a tiger and it lives in my house, I’m really quite macho.”

From Popular-Science

Her response was a “very un-macho, uncool, and unexciting one,” according to Albertine.

From The Daily Beast

It seemed that I, a staunch feminist, had found myself in the epicenter of macho culture.

From The Daily Beast

And Pratt is at once macho, charming, and droll; a Han Solo for the Facebook generation.

From The Daily Beast

For a supposedly macho male, the two traits he likes best in women are a sense of humor and guts.

From The Daily Beast

And don't worry guys, having an alternate fantasy wouldn't make you less macho.

From The Daily Beast

He then re-fastened his macho, adding for additional security a piece of whipcord, which he said rendered escape impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

Casiano haba disparado y errado el vquiro: hiri la hembra, y el macho, como sucede en estos casos, se enfureci y le atac.

From Project Gutenberg

Following these the Governor asks for the masquerade of the macho-raton, or the mules.

From Project Gutenberg

They give the second title to the piece, El Macho raton, an appropriate translation of which I am at a loss to give.

From Project Gutenberg

Amigo Capn Algl Mor, ya estamos aviados de la yunta de botijas de vino, no habr un macho de la cofradia de la comunidad?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aggressive
• cocky
• manly
• masculine