# macro

/ˈmækɹoʊ/ (US) · /mˈækɹəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/macro
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. computing shortcut

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a single command or shortcut that automatically follows a set of instructions to save time.

For teachers: a single instruction that expands automatically into a set of instructions to perform a particular task.

- I created a macro in the spreadsheet to format the data with one click.
- The analyst programmed a complex macro to automate the monthly data extraction, significantly reducing the margin for manual entry errors.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'run', 'create', or 'write'.

### 2. nutrition

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a short word for 'macronutrient' — the main parts of food like protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

For teachers: a clipping of macronutrient, referring to the primary dietary components required in large quantities.

- Athletes often track their macros to make sure they get enough protein.
- Bodybuilders frequently manipulate their daily macros, adjusting the ratio of fats to carbohydrates depending on their current training phase.

### 3. photography

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a type of photography or lens used for taking very close-up pictures of small things.

For teachers: a clipping of macro lens or macro photography, involving extreme close-up shots of small subjects.

- She used a macro to get a clear photo of the tiny insect on the leaf.
- The photographer specialised in macro, capturing the intricate geometric patterns found on the wings of tropical butterflies.

### 4. large scale

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

relating to the whole of something rather than just small parts.

For teachers: relating to a large-scale or overall system rather than its individual components.

- We need to look at the macro view of the economy to understand the problem.
- From a macro perspective, the shift in global trade routes will have profound implications for local manufacturing hubs over the next decade.

### 5. to use a shortcut

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

to use a computer shortcut to perform an action quickly.

For teachers: to execute or assign a task to a macro command.

- He was accused of cheating because he macroed his attacks in the game.
- The player was banned after the moderators discovered he had macroed his entire resource-gathering routine to run while he was away from his desk.

## Examples

- I wrote a simple macro to format the data automatically.
- The accountant created a macro to pull data from multiple sheets and generate a monthly summary report with one click.
- Advanced users often rely on complex macros to handle data cleaning tasks that would otherwise require hours of manual entry, though these scripts must be carefully audited for security risks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.