What does matador mean?
A matador is a bullfighter whose role in a traditional bullfight includes killing the bull with a sword. The term is especially associated with Spanish-style bullfighting, in which the matador performs with a cape before facing the bull on foot and delivering the final sword thrust. In figurative use, a matador is someone who confronts and defeats a formidable opponent, often through courage, skill, or determination. Although the word is related to Spanish matar, meaning "to kill," it has a more specific meaning in English than a general executioner or killer. The expression can also describe a player or competitor who appears to have an unusually decisive role in bringing down a major rival. Matador remains readily recognizable beyond bullfighting because of its dramatic associations with courage, spectacle, and confrontation.
nounA bullfighter whose role in a bullfight includes formally killing the bull with a sword. Figuratively, it can refer to someone who defeats or brings down a formidable opponent.
- A bullfighter whose role includes killing the bull in a formal bullfight.
- Someone who defeats or brings down a powerful or formidable opponent.
"The matador entered the ring alone and faced the charging bull."
"The audience rose to its feet as the matador prepared for his final pass."
"With one audacious play, the young goalkeeper proved himself a real matador."
Both forms are standard, although matadores is especially common when referring collectively to Spanish bullfighters.
"Several matadores took part in the traditional procession."
Matador comes from Spanish and literally means "killer," though in English it specifically evokes the final, sword-finishing stage of a traditional bullfight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does matador come from?
The English word entered through Spanish, where matador means literally "killer" and denotes the bullfighter who kills the bull. Spanish matador derives from matar, "to kill," and is related to forms such as matadero, "slaughterhouse," and matanza, "slaughter" or "bullfight." English borrowed the word in the early 17th century, initially in references to Spanish bullfighting.
How matador is actually used
The term is standard when referring to a traditional bullfighter. The figurative sense is less formal and is chiefly used for someone who defeats a formidable rival or opponent.
Easily confused with matador
A bullfighter may fight the bull in different ways, whereas a matador traditionally bears responsibility for killing it with a sword.