macaw

noun

ma·​caw mə-ˈkȯ How to pronounce macaw (audio)
: any of numerous parrots (especially genus Ara) of South and Central America including some of the largest and showiest of parrots

Illustration of macaw

Illustration of macaw

Examples of macaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Birds from both environments, like scarlet macaws, toucans and herons, live here. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 27 May 2026 Red-fronted macaws, along with many other wildlife species, lose their natural food sources when farmers cut down or burn the forest. — Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 Atop a marble fireplace were a medley of ceramic bird figurines, including a large chicken and a scarlet macaw. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026 Home to thousands of plants and more than 400 bird species, like the elusive quetzal and scarlet macaw, the region beckons to travelers with its varied topography and wildlife. — Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for macaw

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese (now obsolete) macao

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macaw was in 1625

Rhymes for macaw

See All Rhymes for macaw

Browse Nearby Words

Macaulayism
macaw
macawood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Macaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macaw. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

macaw

noun
ma·​caw mə-ˈkȯ How to pronounce macaw (audio)
: any of numerous parrots of South and Central America that have a long tail, a harsh voice, and bright feathers

More from Merriam-Webster on macaw

Nglish: Translation of macaw for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about macaw

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