Is 'McClure' an English word?

It is an English surname, a proper noun, but not a common English word with a standard dictionary definition.

Can 'McClure' be used as a verb or adjective?

No, it is exclusively a proper noun (a surname). It is not used as a standard verb or adjective.

How do you pronounce 'McClure'?

It is typically pronounced /məˈklʊər/ in British English and /məˈklʊr/ in American English. The 'Mc' is pronounced like 'muh'.

What does the 'Mc' in McClure mean?

'Mc' is a Gaelic prefix meaning 'son of'. 'McClure' means 'son of the leper' or 'son of the clerk', derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Gille Uidhir'.

Is “mcclure” formal?

Mcclure is usually formal / neutral (when used as a proper name) in register.

mcclure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low

UK/məˈklʊə/US/məˈklʊr/

Formal / Neutral (when used as a proper name)

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “mcclure” mean?

A surname of Scottish and Irish origin.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A surname of Scottish and Irish origin.

Used primarily as a proper noun referring to individuals, families, or occasionally places or things named after such individuals (e.g., McClure's Magazine). It is not a common noun with a lexical meaning.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant linguistic difference in usage. Distribution correlates with Scottish/Irish diaspora populations. Spelling convention is fixed.

Connotations

Primarily Scottish/Irish heritage. May evoke associations with specific notable individuals (e.g., journalist Robert McClure, explorer Sir Robert McClure).

Frequency

Comparatively low frequency in both dialects, consistent with surname distribution.

Grammar

How to Use “mcclure” in a Sentence

[Proper Noun] + [Verb][Determiner] + McClure + [Noun][Preposition] + McClure

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Sir Robert McClureMcClure's Magazinethe McClure family

medium

reporter McClureauthored by McClureaccording to McClure

weak

named McClurecalled McCluresaid McClure

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

In business contexts, used in reference to individuals (e.g., 'I have a meeting with Ms. McClure').

Academic

In academic contexts, used for citation of authors or historical figures (e.g., 'McClure (2020) argues...').

Everyday

In everyday contexts, used to refer to a specific person (e.g., 'My neighbour is Mr. McClure').

Technical

No specific technical usage beyond proper noun reference.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “mcclure”

Weak

the individualthe personthe family

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “mcclure”

Misspelling as 'Mclure' (missing the capital 'C').
Treating it as a common noun with a definable meaning.
Mispronouncing the 'Mc' as /mɪk/ instead of /mək/.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is an English surname, a proper noun, but not a common English word with a standard dictionary definition.
: No, it is exclusively a proper noun (a surname). It is not used as a standard verb or adjective.
: It is typically pronounced /məˈklʊər/ in British English and /məˈklʊr/ in American English. The 'Mc' is pronounced like 'muh'.
: 'Mc' is a Gaelic prefix meaning 'son of'. 'McClure' means 'son of the leper' or 'son of the clerk', derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Gille Uidhir'.
: A surname of Scottish and Irish origin.
: Mcclure is usually formal / neutral (when used as a proper name) in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'Mac' (son of) + 'Clure' (a Scottish/Irish clan name). It's a 'Mac' name.

Conceptual Metaphor

A NAME IS A LABEL; A SURNAME IS A LINEAGE.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The famous explorer was knighted for his Arctic discoveries.

Multiple Choice

"McClure" is primarily classified as what type of word?