What does matadore mean?
A matadore is a principal performer in a Spanish-style bullfight, traditionally the fighter who faces the bull and delivers the final kill. The word is also associated historically with professional swordsmen and skilled killers, although the bullfighting sense is now dominant. In everyday modern English, however, “matador” is much more common and internationally recognizable, while “matadore” survives chiefly in American usage, historical descriptions, and cultural references. Its Spanish origin connects it to a wider vocabulary of bullfighting, in which the matadore works with banderilleros, who provoke the bull, and picadors, who weaken it with lances. Although the role is performed in a highly codified ritual, its central and decisive act gives the matadore a formidable and dramatic public image.
nounA matadore is a bullfighter, especially the principal bullfighter in a Spanish-style bullfight. The term is chiefly a regional or historical English variant of the more common form “matador.”
- A principal bullfighter in a Spanish-style bullfight, especially one who kills the bull.
- More generally and historically, a professional killer or swordsman.
"The matadore entered the arena alone while the crowd fell silent."
"The matadore received a standing ovation after the final pass."
"Accounts of the early bullfight describe the matadore as an experienced swordsman."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one principal bullfighter.
"The performances of two celebrated matadores drew large crowds."
“Matadore” comes from Spanish and ultimately from a Latin verb meaning “to kill,” but in modern English it refers specifically to the celebrated fighter whose final act is to kill the bull.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of matadore
The English word comes through Spanish from the Latin mactator, a noun derived from mactare, “to kill” or “to sacrifice.” Spanish developed the occupational term matador from a related verb associated with killing, and English borrowed it in the context of bullfighting. “Matadore” reflects an English form influenced by the Spanish ending, while matador and the English torero preserve other forms of the same Spanish tradition.
How matadore is actually used
The word is uncommon in contemporary British English and is used more often in American English, especially in historical writing. “Matador” is generally preferred in modern usage outside contexts that specifically invoke the Spanish tradition or the older form.
Easily confused with matadore
“Matador” is the standard, internationally recognized English term for a principal bullfighter, whereas “matadore” is a chiefly historical or regional variant.