matador: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist (bullfighting), Formal/Literary (extended metaphor), Specific (card games)
Quick answer
What does “matador” mean?
The main performer in a bullfight who kills the bull.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The main performer in a bullfight who kills the bull.
A person who leads or dominates in a challenging or aggressive situation; the principal figure in an event or endeavor. Also, a specific term for the highest trump or a key playing card in some card games.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The cultural reference is equally foreign and specific in both variants.
Connotations
Similar connotations of danger, artistry, and controversy due to the ethical debate surrounding bullfighting.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language in both regions, used almost exclusively in specific cultural or metaphorical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “matador” in a Sentence
[be] a matador[act/like] a matador[describe/depict] X as a matadorVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matador” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb use in British English)
American English
- (No standard verb use in American English)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb use in British English)
American English
- (No standard adverb use in American English)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjective use. Possible metaphorical compound: 'matador-like grace')
American English
- (No standard adjective use. Possible metaphorical compound: 'a matador move')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Possibly as a metaphor for a dominant or aggressive competitor: 'The company played the matador, deftly sidestepping the hostile takeover bid.'
Academic
Used in cultural studies, anthropology, or literature discussing Spanish/Mexican traditions, or as a literary metaphor.
Everyday
Low frequency. Understood as the bullfighter. Sometimes used metaphorically in sports commentary (e.g., 'He played the matador, letting the defender rush past him').
Technical
Specific term in card games like 'Ombre' or 'Matador' for a high trump or a card with special power.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matador”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matador”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matador”
- Misspelling as 'mattador' or 'matadore'.
- Using it as a general synonym for any bullfighter (it is specifically the one who kills the bull).
- Incorrect plural: 'matadors' (correct), not 'matadori' or 'matadores' (the latter is Spanish).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Bullfighter' (or 'torero' in Spanish) is the general term. A matador is the specific bullfighter who performs the final act and kills the bull. All matadors are bullfighters, but not all bullfighters (like picadors) are matadors.
Traditionally, the role was male, and the Spanish word is masculine. The term 'matadora' is sometimes used in English for a female matador, but 'matador' is increasingly used as a gender-neutral term in modern English reporting.
Yes, but mostly metaphorically. It can describe someone who deftly handles a dangerous situation or a dominant figure. It also has a specific meaning in certain card games as a powerful trump card.
It comes from Spanish, deriving from 'matar' meaning 'to kill'. It entered English in the early 17th century.
The main performer in a bullfight who kills the bull.
Matador is usually specialist (bullfighting), formal/literary (extended metaphor), specific (card games) in register.
Matador: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmætədɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmætəˌdɔr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a matador with a cape (to deftly avoid something)”
- “To play the matador (to take a leading, confrontational role)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MAT with a DOOR painted on it. The matador stands on the mat, using his cape as if it's a door to entice and then evade the bull.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFRONTATION IS A BULLFIGHT; A SKILLFUL LEADER IS A MATADOR; EVASION IS THE MATADOR'S CAPE WORK.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'matador' used in its most literal and original sense?