name
Common
Arkansas
AH-kuhn-saw
Arkansas (name) means a state in the south-central United States, capital Little Rock. Example: “They drove through Arkansas on their way to Texas.”
name
1
A state in the south-central United States, capital Little Rock.
"They drove through Arkansas on their way to Texas."
2
A major river that flows through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas before joining the Mississippi.
"The Arkansas River begins in the Rocky Mountains."
How to use Arkansas
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA US state, or the river it and several other states are named after.
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Etymology
From French Arcansas, referring to a Siouan people (likely ancestors of the Quapaw) living along the river.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Arkansas” mean?
The word “Arkansas” means a state in the south-central United States, capital Little Rock. In plain terms, a US state, or the river it and several other states are named after.
How do you pronounce “Arkansas”?
“Arkansas” is pronounced AH-kuhn-saw (/ˈɑɹkənˌsɔ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Arkansas” in a sentence?
Here is “Arkansas” used in a sentence: “They drove through Arkansas on their way to Texas.”
What part of speech is “Arkansas”?
“Arkansas” is a name.
Where does the word “Arkansas” come from?
The word “Arkansas” comes from French. From French Arcansas, referring to a Siouan people (likely ancestors of the Quapaw) living along the river.
Is “Arkansas” a common word?
“Arkansas” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Arkansas” have?
“Arkansas” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state in the south-central United States, capital Little Rock.
Why is Arkansas pronounced differently from Kansas?
Arkansas ends in a silent s and is pronounced AR-kuh-saw, while Kansas is pronounced the way it is spelled. The names entered English by different routes — Arkansas came through French, which is why its final s is not sounded — and Arkansas state law officially fixes the AR-kuh-saw pronunciation.
What is the capital of Arkansas?
The capital of Arkansas is Little Rock, which is also the state's largest city. Arkansas is located in the south-central United States, with the Mississippi River forming most of its eastern border.
Where does the Arkansas River flow?
The Arkansas River rises in Colorado and flows through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas before joining the Mississippi River. It is one of the major tributaries of the Mississippi.
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