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matador

[ mat-uh-dawr ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the principal bullfighter in a bullfight who passes the bull with a muleta and then, in many countries, kills it with a sword thrust; a torero.
one of the principal cards in skat and certain other games.
(initial capital letter) a jet-powered U.S. surface-to-surface missile.

matador

/ ˈ��æ��ə��ɔː /

noun

the principal bullfighter who is appointed to kill the bull
(in some card games such as skat) one of the highest ranking cards
a game played with dominoes in which the dots on adjacent halves must total seven

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Word History and Origins

Origin of matador¹

1665–75; < Spanish, equivalent to mata ( r ) to kill (perhaps < Vulgar Latin *��ٳ��, presumed derivative of Late Latin mattus soft, weak; matte ¹ ) +- dor -tor

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Word History and Origins

Origin of matador¹

C17: from Spanish, from matar to kill

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Compare Meanings

How does matador compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

toreador vs. matador

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The matador as an artist is an established idea within the bullfighting community.

From

When the parade of the afternoon’s three matadors and their bullfighting entourage finally emerged to salute the fans, the arena in Mexico City erupted.

From

He did not look like a matador, though.

From

We will see a Charlo that will attempt to use his speed, and move in and out and try to keep Álvarez at distance — a matador trying to keep the Mexican bull at bay.

From

Flamboyant ticks and leaves like a matador goading a bull.

From

Matadi Matagalpa

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