macro

¹ American  

[mak-roh] / ˈmæk roʊ /

adjective

1. very large in scale, scope, or capability.

2. of or relating to macroeconomics.

---

noun

plural

macros

1. anything very large in scale, scope, or capability.

2. Photography. a macro lens.

3. Also called macroinstruction.  Computers. an instruction that represents a sequence of instructions in abbreviated form.

4. macroeconomics.

macro- ² American  

especially before a vowel, macr-.

1. a combining form meaning “large,” “long,” “great,” “excessive,” used in the formation of compound words, contrasting with micro-: macrocosm; macrofossil; macrograph; macroscopic.

---

macro- ¹ British  

combining form

1. large, long, or great in size or duration

   macroscopic

2. (in pathology) indicating abnormal enlargement or overdevelopment Compare micro-

   macrocyte

3. producing larger than life images

   macrophotography

---

macro ² British  

/ ˈmækrəʊ /

noun

1. a macro lens

2. Also: macro instruction.  a single computer instruction that initiates a set of instructions to perform a specific task

---

macro– Scientific  

1. A prefix meaning “large,” as in macromolecule, a large molecule.

---

Usage

What does macro- mean? Macro- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “large; long; great; excessive.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology.Macro- comes from Greek makrós, meaning “long.” The Latin translation of makrós is longus, also meaning “long,” which is the source of terms such as longanimity and longitude. To learn more, check out our entries for both words.What are variants of macro-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, macro- becomes macr-, as in macrencephaly. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about macr-.

Etymology

Origin of macro¹

Independent use of macro-, taken as an adjective, or by shortening of words with macro- as initial element

Origin of macro-²

< Greek makro-, combining form of makrós long; cognate with Latin macer lean; meager

Example Sentences

“Markets have been remarkably calm given the Iran situation and the implications for global energy flows,” said a team of macro strategists at Mizuho Securities, in commentary shared with MarketWatch via email on Tuesday.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Reports distributed by the service, called ProCap Insights, will cover single-name stocks, thematic trends and macro analyses and won’t offer any specific “buy” or “sell” recommendations, according to the company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“I don’t think we’ve seen the impact of the macro events that are happening,” Assaf said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

The firm’s chief macro strategist is looking past this week’s noise and toward a bigger picture that he says will still trigger demand for U.S. government bonds.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

This one happened to be an economist who, instead of thinking grand macro thoughts, favored his own list of offbeat micro curiosities.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

Related Words

• broad
• extensive
• large
• large-scale