adj C1 Advanced

macabre

muh-KAH-bruh

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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.”

adj

Disturbingly focused on death, or gruesome and horrifying to look at.

"The museum's macabre exhibit on medieval torture devices left some visitors queasy."

"He has a macabre sense of humor, always joking about funerals."

How to use macabre

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething gruesome, deathly, or morbidly horrifying.

Common mistake

It describes something grim or death-related, not just "scary" in a fun, spooky sense — a macabre story unsettles rather than thrills.

Common pairings

macabre humor macabre scene macabre details

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more macabre
Superlative: most macabre

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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.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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gruesome grim sick ghastly grisly

Related words

down hard OK sick ill excellent angry horrible

Rhymes for macabre

sabre

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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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