matador

noun

mat·​a·​dor ˈma-tə-ˌdȯr How to pronounce matador (audio)
: a bullfighter who has the principal role and who kills the bull in a bullfight

Examples of matador 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.
At the party, de la Huerta danced while brandishing the gown’s frilly skirt like a matador’s cape. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026 The matador couldn’t get out of the way of one of the bulls in time and stayed down holding his butt before being carried out of the bullring in pain. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026 This season, in a gender-role reversal, Chock, 33, plays the matador and Bates, 36, the bull. — Alice Park, Time, 5 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, Williams brought matador vibes to the event in a custom powder-blue Balenciaga suit with a black cape and black trim details. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for matador

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from matar to kill

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of matador was in 1681

Rhymes for matador

See All Rhymes for matador

Browse Nearby Words

Matadi
matador
Matagalpa
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

matador

noun
mat·​a·​dor ˈmat-ə-ˌdȯ(ə)r How to pronounce matador (audio)
: the bullfighter who plays the major human part in a bullfight
Etymology

Spanish, literally "killer"

More from Merriam-Webster on matador

Nglish: Translation of matador for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about matador

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