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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.

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