Fort Smith
5
2.7
- proper noun
- /fɔrt smɪθ/
- I visited Fort Smith last summer.
- Fort Smith, Arkansas
Examples
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Fort Smith is known for its vibrant arts scene and proximity to the Arkansas River.
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After moving to Fort Smith, she quickly became involved in the local community.
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During our road trip, we decided to spend a night in Fort Smith to explore its historic downtown.
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Have you ever been to Fort Smith?
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The city of Fort Smith is known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
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Many people visit Fort Smith every year to enjoy its annual festivals and events.
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Located on the Arkansas River, Fort Smith serves as a significant city for trade and commerce.
Surface Forms
Morphology
fort + Smith
The components 'fort' (a fortified place) + 'Smith' (a personal name) make it clear this is a place-name built from a fort and a surname, so learners can infer it refers to a location or settlement. However, the precise sense 'a city in western Arkansas on the Arkansas River' and the modern toponymic status cannot be fully derived from the parts alone, so the expression is only partly predictable.
Etymology
Fort Smith comes from an old army post by the river. One popular story says the word Fort refers to that post and Smith was the soldier's name, and a town grew around the post, so the name now means the 'city' that began at the fort.