noun
matador
MA-tuh-daw
Matador (noun) means the bullfighter whose role is to fight and kill the bull in a traditional bullfight. Example: “The matador waved his red cape as the crowd cheered.”
noun
1
The bullfighter whose role is to fight and kill the bull in a traditional bullfight.
"Hemingway's subject for the epilogue was the mano a mano (or hand-to-hand, a duel) between Spain's two leading matadors, Luis Miguel Dominguin and his brother-in-law, Antonio Ordonez."
— William Kennedy, The Last Ole (1985)
"The matador waved his red cape as the crowd cheered."
How to use matador
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe lead performer in a bullfight, the one who ultimately kills the bull.
Common pairings
skilled matador
matador's cape
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like matador.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- matadors, matadores
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ waved his red cape as the crowd cheered.
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish matador, literally "killer," from matar ("to kill").
Rhymes for matador
See all rhymes for matador →Frequently asked questions
What does “matador” mean?
The word “matador” means the bullfighter whose role is to fight and kill the bull in a traditional bullfight. In plain terms, the lead performer in a bullfight, the one who ultimately kills the bull.
How do you pronounce “matador”?
“Matador” is pronounced MA-tuh-daw (/ˈmæ.tə.dɔɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “matador” in a sentence?
Here is “matador” used in a sentence: “The matador waved his red cape as the crowd cheered.”
What part of speech is “matador”?
“Matador” is a noun.
Where does the word “matador” come from?
The word “matador” comes from Spanish. Borrowed from Spanish matador, literally "killer," from matar ("to kill").
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include matador:
