Arcturus

noun

Arc·​tu·​rus ärk-ˈtu̇r-əs How to pronounce Arcturus (audio)
-ˈtyu̇r-
: a giant fixed star of the first magnitude in Boötes

Examples of Arcturus in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bright star Arcturus will be visible almost directly above the lunar disk at moonrise, while Vega shines in the east and the Big Dipper hovers near the zenith, pointing the way to Polaris. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 May 2025 Coma Berenices is between there and Leo or, for something even easier this week, about a fifth of the distance between Arcturus and Mars. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Companies like Arcturus are leveraging cutting-edge advancements to create hyperrealistic virtual replicas of live sporting events, allowing fans to experience games like never before. — Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025 The two brightest nighttime stars available in the Minnesota and Wisconsin sky are Sirius and Arcturus. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Arcturus

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Arktouros, literally, bear watcher

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Arcturus was in the 14th century

Rhymes for Arcturus

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Browse Nearby Words

arc triangulation
Arcturus
arcual
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Cite this Entry

“Arcturus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Arcturus. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Arcturus

noun
Arc·​tu·​rus ärk-ˈt(y)u̇r-əs How to pronounce Arcturus (audio)
: a very large bright star in Boötes that does not appear to move

More from Merriam-Webster on Arcturus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Arcturus

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