matador
pronunciation
How to pronounce matador in British English: UK [ˈmætədɔ:(r)]
How to pronounce matador in American English: US [ˈmætəˌdɔr]
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- Noun:
- the principal bullfighter who is appointed to make the final passes and kill the bull
Word Origin
- matador
- matador: see mate
- matador (n.)
- man who kills the bull in a bullfight, 1670s, from Spanish matador, literally "killer," from matar "to kill or wound," probably from Arabic mata "he died," from Persian (see second element in checkmate). Fem. form is matadora.
Example
- 1. Spanish matador oliva soto eyes his challenger during the san fermin festival in pamplona , on july 9 .
- 2. French matador sebastian castella points at the wounded bull during a fight on april 4 in malaga , spain .
- 3. Spanish matador francisco marco is assisted after being gored by a bull during the san fermin festival in pamplona , on july 8 .
- 4. The matador said his remarkable comeback has the blessing of his wife and children but not everyone in his family .
- 5. Earlier this year , the twelve-year-old matador was gored in mexico 's most famous bull fighting venue , plaza mayor .