matador

American  

[mat-uh-dawr] / ˈmæt əˌdɔr /

noun

1. the principal bullfighter in a bullfight who passes the bull with a muleta and then, in many countries, kills it with a sword thrust; a torero.

2. one of the principal cards in skat and certain other games.

3. (initial capital letter) a jet-powered U.S. surface-to-surface missile.

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matador British  

/ ˈmætədɔː /

noun

1. the principal bullfighter who is appointed to kill the bull

2. (in some card games such as skat) one of the highest ranking cards

3. a game played with dominoes in which the dots on adjacent halves must total seven

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Etymology

Origin of matador

1665–75; < Spanish, equivalent to mata ( r ) to kill (perhaps < Vulgar Latin *mattāre, presumed derivative of Late Latin mattus soft, weak; matte ¹ ) +- dor -tor

Compare meaning

How does matador compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• toreador vs. matador

Example Sentences

We meet Iñaki, the manager here who is appropriately more matador than barkeep.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2025

The matador as an artist is an established idea within the bullfighting community.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2024

We will see a Charlo that will attempt to use his speed, and move in and out and try to keep Álvarez at distance — a matador trying to keep the Mexican bull at bay.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2023

“It’s sad that people who don’t know anything about our sector want to make laws about us,” said Sergio Alzate, 22, an aspiring matador and pupil at the city’s bullfighting school.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 20, 2023

Akhlys turned and attacked, but Annabeth dodged again, like a matador.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan