macabre
Macabre (adj) means Disturbingly focused on death, or gruesome and horrifying to look at. Example: “The museum's macabre exhibit on medieval torture devices left some visitors queasy.”
How to use macabre
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething gruesome, deathly, or morbidly horrifying.
It describes something grim or death-related, not just "scary" in a fun, spooky sense — a macabre story unsettles rather than thrills.
Word forms
more macabre comparative, most macabre superlative
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The museum's _____ exhibit on medieval torture devices left some visitors queasy.
Etymology
From French macabre, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to the phrase "danse macabre" ("dance of death"), which may trace back to the biblical Maccabees.
Rhymes for macabre
See all rhymes for macabre →Frequently asked questions
What does “macabre” mean?
The word “macabre” means disturbingly focused on death, or gruesome and horrifying to look at. In plain terms, something gruesome, deathly, or morbidly horrifying.
How do you pronounce “macabre”?
“Macabre” is pronounced muh-KAH-bruh (/məˈkɑb/ in IPA).
How do you use “macabre” in a sentence?
Here is “macabre” used in a sentence: “The museum's macabre exhibit on medieval torture devices left some visitors queasy.”
What part of speech is “macabre”?
“Macabre” is an adjective.
Where does the word “macabre” come from?
The word “macabre” comes from French. From French macabre, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to the phrase "danse macabre" ("dance of death"), which may trace back to the biblical Maccabees.
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