duncan

duncan — noun

1. Isadora Duncan (1877–1927), an American dancer who is widely regarded as the mot

1.nounB2
Definition

Isadora Duncan (1877–1927), an American dancer who is widely regarded as the mother of modern dance. She rejected the rigid rules of classical ballet and performed barefoot in loose, flowing costumes, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek art and natural movement.

Example

Aylin wrote her thesis on Isadora Duncan’s influence on contemporary dance.

proper noun as subject referent

The documentary showed how Isadora Duncan transformed performance art in the early twentieth century.

Usage Note

Isadora Duncan is always referred to by her full name or surname; contexts mentioning simply “Duncan” in dance history almost invariably refer to her. Her legacy is foundational to modern and contemporary dance.

duncan — noun

1. A city in southern Oklahoma, United States, with a population of approximately 2

1.nounB2
Definition

A city in southern Oklahoma, United States, with a population of approximately 23,000. It serves as a regional center for agriculture and light industry in Stephens County.

Example

The freight train from Oklahoma City stops at Duncan before continuing south toward Texas.

preposition: at [city name]

Reema’s family moved to Duncan when she was fourteen, and she still recalls the quiet afternoons on Main Street.

Usage Note

When used alone as a place name, “Duncan” typically refers to the Oklahoma city. It may also appear as part of compound names (e.g., Duncanville, Duncan Creek) in other regions.

Etymology

Scottish GaelicEnglish

Duncan is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic personal name “Donnchadh,” composed of “donn” (brown) and “cath” (warrior) — meaning “brown-haired warrior” or “dark warrior.” The name entered English through medieval Scottish nobility and later spread as both a given name and surname. Isadora Duncan (born Dora Angela Duncan) carried the surname into twentieth-century fame. The city of Duncan, Oklahoma was named after William Duncan, an early cattle rancher in the region.