ENGLISH
REFERENCE

malcolm

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈmæɫkəm// mal·colm

n. a common traditional name for a man. It is a name often found in English-speaking countries, especially Scotland.

n. a masculine given name of Scottish Gaelic origin. As a proper name, it is typically capitalised and lacks a plural form in standard usage.


SIMPLE

Malcolm is my brother's name.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager, Malcolm, will be leading the meeting this afternoon to discuss the new project.

COMPLEX

While the name Malcolm has deep roots in Scottish royal history, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their children today.

Origin

Royal name in Scotland, anglicised from various historical Goidelic names equivalent to Scottish Gaelic Maol Chaluim or Calum, Irish Maol Colm, Middle Irish Máel Coluim, Old Irish Máel Columb (literally “devotee of [Saint] Columba”); proper nouns derived from máel (“tonsured”) from Proto-Celtic *mailos, and columb (“dove”) from Latin columbus.

Usage

Proper noun — always capitalised. When used in the plural to refer to a family or group with the name, it follows standard pluralisation rules ('the Malcolms').

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