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 Wildlife viewing is stellar, including scarlet macaws, tapirs, jaguars and crocodiles. Roger Sands, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 From the looks of the renderings, the decor will be comfortingly rustic, echoing the location: on the Tambopata River, perfect for watching birds (including macaws), butterflies and getting up close to the Peruvian jungle. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 5 Jan. 2024 In the animal kingdom, blue-and-yellow macaws are among the most faithful. Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2023 Zoos across the United States have painting enrichment available for a variety of animals, including sea lions, elephants, giraffes and macaws. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023 But 2023 brought lighter moments as well, showcasing L.A. in all its variety: glittery Taylor Swift fans, a chef making Oaxacan tamales in Koreatown, a guy biking through Griffith Park while being trailed by his pet hyacinth macaws. Times Photography Staff, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2023 The crusty old leader of the Amazon River’s hidden macaw tribe isn’t exactly impressed with his son-in-law, or his son-in-law’s fanny pack. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Taxidermied crabs and macaws share space with a beguiling pocket sundial from the 16th century. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2024 Additionally, environmental groups have argued that the train’s planned route may cause deforestation and loss of habitat to local wildlife, including to jaguars and scarlet macaws. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'macaw.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near macaw

Cite this Entry

“Macaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macaw. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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