What does makar mean?
A makar is a poet, particularly one belonging to the Scottish literary tradition. The word has a distinctly regional and historical character: although it can be used generically for a poet, it is especially associated with the titles “the Scottish Makar” and “the Highland Makar,” the latter being an established epithet for Robert Burns. In modern writing, “makar” is more likely to appear in cultural, historical, or commemorative contexts than in everyday conversation. The term can convey admiration as well as information, presenting the poet not merely as an author but as a significant representative of a language, place, or literary tradition. For a general reader, it is best understood as a traditional Scottish designation for a poet, comparable in purpose to “bard,” though more explicitly regional.
nounA poet, especially a Scottish poet. The term is now chiefly literary or historical and is often used as an honorific for a celebrated poet.
- A poet, especially a Scottish poet; now chiefly a literary or historical designation.
"The poet was revered throughout Scotland as the nation's greatest modern makar."
"The annual festival celebrates the work of a different makar from each region of Scotland."
"His detailed observations of rural life made him one of Scotland's most admired makars."
The regular plural is used when referring to several poets, particularly in literary or historical contexts.
"The anthology brings together poems by makars from different generations of Scottish literature."
Robert Burns is famously known as “the Highland Makar,” a title that pairs Scotland's poetry with the word for one of its makers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of makar
The word comes through Scots from the Germanic root represented by English “make,” in the older sense of a maker or creator. Its specialized meaning as “poet” developed because a poet was understood as someone who makes verses. The modern spelling and poetic sense are especially associated with the literary traditions of sixteenth-century Scotland, when prominent writers were described as makars. The form is related to English “make” and “maker,” although the two words now have distinct usual meanings.
How makar is actually used
Chiefly Scottish and literary, with a historical flavour. It is much more common in discussions of Scottish poetry and traditional verse than in ordinary modern English, where “poet” or “bard” is normally preferred.
Easily confused with makar
A maker is someone who produces or constructs something, whereas a makar is specifically a poet, especially one writing in the Scottish tradition.