mcarthur
mcarthur Lexical Profile
• noun
A surname of Scottish and Irish origin, functioning as a patronymic.
"The McArthur family historically belonged to a prominent Highland Scottish clan."
American A reference to General Douglas MacArthur, a five-star American military leader who played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II.
"Historical accounts frequently debate MacArthur's strategic decisions during the Korean War."
American A geographical place name found in several parts of the United States, such as the village of McArthur, Ohio.
"They drove through McArthur, Ohio, on their way to explore the surrounding national forest."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently spelled as either 'McArthur' or 'MacArthur'; while they share the same etymological origin, the distinct spellings are strictly maintained by different family lines and institutions.
Word Origin & Etymology
An Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic 'Mac Artair', a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Arthur'.