matador
bullfighter, matador
noun mah-tah-DOHR Rare
Origin: From matar (to kill) + -dor (agent suffix).
Usage Note
Matador literally means 'killer' (from matar, to kill) but refers specifically to the lead bullfighter who performs the final kill in a corrida. The feminine form matadora exists but female bullfighters are rare historically. In English, matador has been borrowed directly. The full title is matador de toros; the term torero is broader, covering all bullfighters.
Examples
"El matador saludó al público después de la faena."
Natural Translation
The matador greeted the audience after the performance.
Related Words
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