What does "macro" mean?
Clipping of macronutrient.
Macro
/ˈmæk.ɹoʊ/ adj, name, noun, verb, slang
adj, name, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Clipping of macronutrient.
- Grammar: macro is listed as adj, name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: arch-, automation script, bound morpheme, broad.
- Useful contrasts: free morpheme, hand coding, landscape photo.
- Usage evidence: The impolite words that pepper many Americans' speech should be seen as intensifiers; and the macro effect of their spread, as a kind of linguistic inflation.
How to use "macro"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "macro" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "macro" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "macro" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "macro" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "macro" is acting as adj, name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "arch-" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "macro", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Clipping of macronutrient. abbreviation, alt-of, clipping, colloquial, countable, in-plural
"Don't be afraid to include some “unhealthy” foods in your diet. The overarching rule about foods is if it fits your macros (IIFYM), then you can eat it. That means you can eat chocolate, ice cream, and many other indulgences […]"
- 2 A comparatively human-friendly abbreviation of complex input to a computer program.
"The preprocessor expands any embedded macros into source code before it is compiled."
- 3 Short for macromanagement. abbreviation, alt-of, informal, uncountable
- 4 a single computer instruction that results in a series of instructions in machine language wordnet
- 5 Clipping of macroeconomics. abbreviation, alt-of, clipping, colloquial, uncountable
"On Monday, chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA) cut its sales outlook for the fourth quarter, citing “deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, particularly in China.” Last week, Intel’s (INTC) CEO also noted that “trade and macro concerns, especially in China, have intensified.”"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Ellipsis of macro lens. abbreviation, alt-of, colloquial, countable, ellipsis
"Most macros are made by camera manufacturers to fit their cameras"
- 7 Clipping of macrophile. abbreviation, alt-of, clipping, colloquial, countable
Verb
- 1 To use a macro. informal, intransitive
"After i got ressirected^([sic]) the stat loss hit me hard, i macroed for a few days, sparred with some friends, and my skills were soon back up."
- 2 To use a macro on (something). informal, transitive
"He said he macroed anatomy from 0 to about 80 and his healing went from the 52 he started with to 58.2."
Adjective
- 1 Very large in scope or scale. not-comparable
"Crumb's sexual fixation on gigantic women's legs became a major feature of his most celebrated images. Despite the common themes among macrophiles, Ed Lundt believes that no two macro fantasies are quite alike […]"
- 2 Clipping of macrobiotic. abbreviation, alt-of, clipping, colloquial, not-comparable
"While there are many aspects to this way of living, the actual “diet” focuses on whole foods, consumed in traditional methods. A typical macro bowl includes grains, beans, steamed veggies, sea vegetables, and fermented foods."
Adjective
- 1 very large in scale or scope or capability wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The impolite words that pepper many Americans' speech should be seen as intensifiers; and the macro effect of their spread, as a kind of linguistic inflation."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "macro"?
Common synonyms include: arch-, automation script, bound morpheme, broad, close up, closeup.
How do you use "macro" in a sentence?
The impolite words that pepper many Americans' speech should be seen as intensifiers; and the macro effect of their spread, as a kind of linguistic inflation.
How do you pronounce "macro"?
Pronounced /ˈmæk.ɹoʊ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
1933, from macro-, from French, from Latin, from Ancient Greek μακρός (makrós, “long”).
Etymology 2
Attested 1959, shortened from macroinstruction.