noun
macaw
muh-KAW
Macaw (noun) means a large parrot from Central and South America, with a long tail, a strong curved bill and brightly coloured feathers. Example: “The macaw shrieked from its perch above the visitors.”
noun
1
A large parrot from Central and South America, with a long tail, a strong curved bill and brightly coloured feathers.
"The macaw shrieked from its perch above the visitors."
"A pair of macaws sat side by side on the branch."
"She saw a scarlet macaw at the zoo."
How to use macaw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big, colourful parrot with a long tail.
When to use it
It is an everyday word for a kind of bird.
Memory tip
It is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, muh-KAW.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
scarlet macaw
blue and gold macaw
macaw feathers
pet macaw
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ shrieked from its perch above the visitors.
Etymology
The word comes from Portuguese macau, and its origin before that is unknown. Some English sources point to the Nheengatu word makawana, but that is only recorded from the twentieth century onwards.
Frequently asked questions
What is a macaw?
A macaw is a type of parrot from Central and South America. Macaws include the largest parrots and are known for long tails, powerful curved bills and bright plumage.
Where do macaws come from?
Macaws are native to Central and South America.
Where does the word macaw come from?
English took it from Portuguese macau, whose origin is unknown.
What is the meaning of macaw?
"macaw" (noun) means a large parrot from Central and South America, with a long tail, a strong curved bill and brightly coloured feathers.
