# Arthur

/ˈɑɹθɝ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/arthur
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. male name

noun · CEFR A1

a common first name for men, often associated with the legendary King Arthur.

For teachers: a male given name of Celtic origin, famously associated with the semi-mythical King Arthur of Britain.

- Arthur was a very popular name for boys in the early twentieth century.
- The legends of King Arthur and his knights have influenced Western literature and folklore for centuries.

### 2. Guinness beer

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Dialect

a casual name for Guinness stout, named after its creator, Arthur Guinness.

For teachers: a metonymic reference to Guinness stout, derived from the name of the brewery's founder, Arthur Guinness.

- We went to the pub for a pint of Arthur after work.
- While visiting Dublin, he enjoyed a quiet pint of Arthur in a traditional pub near the Liffey.

Usage: Usually used as an uncountable noun in the phrase 'a pint of Arthur'.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to Ireland and refers to the brand's founder; it is highly informal and best used in social settings.

## Examples

- Arthur is a very old and traditional name.
- The manager called the new intern an Arthur after he accidentally deleted the entire database.
- While the name Arthur evokes images of legendary kings and chivalry, its use in modern urban dialects has occasionally shifted toward a more mocking or dismissive tone.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.