Arcturus

noun

Arc·​tu·​rus ärk-ˈtu̇r-əs 

-ˈtyu̇r-

: a giant fixed star of the first magnitude in Boötes

Examples of Arcturus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The project is guided by elder beings associated with the star systems of Sirius, Arcturus, and the Pleiades among others. — Will Cady, SPIN, 20 May 2026

The rest of the constellation — seen beneath the Big Dipper, almost straight up— forms a loose kite shape extending upward from Arcturus. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

The other stars in the diamond are second magnitude Denebola (marking the tail of Leo, the Lion), first magnitude Spica (the spike of wheat in the hand of Virgo) and zero-magnitude Arcturus (in Boötes the Herdsman). — Joe Rao, Space.com, 15 May 2026

The rest of the constellation is said to form a loose kite pattern around Arcturus, stretching into darker regions of the sky. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 8 May 2026

Find the curved handle of the Big Dipper high in the north, follow its arc to bright Arcturus, then continue along the same curve to find Spica low in the southeast. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 8 May 2026

In the video shared by the Bear League on Tuesday, bear cubs Polaris and Arcturus can be seen playing in the crawlspace under the Tahoe home as mom rests nearby. — Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Look south after dark for Leo, with bright Regulus marking the Lion’s heart, and trace the arc of the Big Dipper’s handle to Arcturus rising in the east. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Arktouros, literally, bear watcher

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Arcturus

• asuras
• duras

Kids Definition

Arcturus

noun

Arc·​tu·​rus ärk-ˈt(y)u̇r-əs 

: a very large bright star in Boötes that does not appear to move