massacre
Massacre (noun) means the brutal killing of a large number of people who could not effectively resist. Example: “Historians still debate the death toll from the massacre.”
How to use massacre
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mass killing, or (casually) a crushing defeat or a badly botched performance.
The literal sense is grave; the "lopsided game/performance" sense is informal and should be used carefully given the word's weight.
Word forms
massacred past tense, massacres plural, massacres singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Historians still debate the death toll from the _____.
Etymology
From Middle French massacre, likely from an Old French word for a slaughterhouse or butchery; ultimate origin disputed.
Related words
Rhymes for massacre
See all rhymes for massacre →Frequently asked questions
What does “massacre” mean?
The word “massacre” means the brutal killing of a large number of people who could not effectively resist. In plain terms, a mass killing, or (casually) a crushing defeat or a badly botched performance.
How do you pronounce “massacre”?
“Massacre” is pronounced MAS-uh-kuh (/ˈmæs.ə.kə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “massacre” in a sentence?
Here is “massacre” used in a sentence: “Historians still debate the death toll from the massacre.”
What part of speech is “massacre”?
Depending on how it is used, “massacre” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “massacre” come from?
The word “massacre” comes from Old French. From Middle French massacre, likely from an Old French word for a slaughterhouse or butchery; ultimate origin disputed.
Is “massacre” a common word?
“Massacre” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “massacre” have?
“Massacre” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the brutal killing of a large number of people who could not effectively resist.
What is the difference between a massacre and a genocide?
A "massacre" is an event in which a large number of people are killed brutally and with little resistance. A "genocide" is the deliberate, systematic destruction of an entire national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, often carried out over time through many acts. A massacre may be part of a genocide, but the two are not the same.
What is the difference between massacre and slaughter?
Both words describe killing on a large scale, but "massacre" almost always refers to the brutal killing of people who cannot effectively resist. "Slaughter" is broader and is also the standard word for killing animals for food. Informally, both can describe a very heavy defeat in a game or contest.
When is it acceptable to use massacre informally?
Used informally, "massacre" describes a very one-sided defeat, as in "our team was massacred." This casual use is fine in conversation and sports commentary, but it is out of place in serious writing, where the word refers to real killing.