macaw

noun

ma·​caw mə-ˈkȯ How to pronounce macaw (audio)
: any of numerous parrots (especially genus Ara) of South and Central America including some of the largest and showiest of parrots

Illustration of macaw

Illustration of macaw

Examples of macaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The disruptive bird was later identified as a blue-and-yellow macaw, one of the largest parrot species in the world. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 Joseph McRae chooses Bryan as his rival; Bryan chooses the scarlet macaw as their muse. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026 Recent images from the Bolivian lowlands have shown jaguars, macaws, and monkeys fleeing walls of fire as the Amazon and Chiquitanía regions burn. — Jhanisse Vaca Daza, Time, 6 June 2026 Birds from both environments, like scarlet macaws, toucans and herons, live here. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for macaw

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese (now obsolete) macao

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macaw was in 1625

Rhymes for macaw

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Browse Nearby Words

Macaulayism
macaw
macawood
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Cite this Entry

“Macaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macaw. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

macaw

noun
ma·​caw mə-ˈkȯ How to pronounce macaw (audio)
: any of numerous parrots of South and Central America that have a long tail, a harsh voice, and bright feathers

More from Merriam-Webster on macaw

Nglish: Translation of macaw for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about macaw

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