Search Dictionary
Definition of mcarthur

mcarthur

/məkˈɑːr.θɚ/
Mc · Ar · thur

Plural:McArthurs
JUMP TO:

mcarthur Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A surname of Scottish and Irish origin, functioning as a patronymic.

Example

"The McArthur family historically belonged to a prominent Highland Scottish clan."


2

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.

Example

"Historical accounts frequently debate MacArthur's strategic decisions during the Korean War."


3

American A geographical place name found in several parts of the United States, such as the village of McArthur, Ohio.

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'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mcarthur. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mcarthur
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.