diff --git a/docs/markdown/Reference-tables.md b/docs/markdown/Reference-tables.md
index ab79abd57..ccdcb344c 100644
--- a/docs/markdown/Reference-tables.md
+++ b/docs/markdown/Reference-tables.md
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ set in the cross file.
 | x86_64              | 64 bit x86 processor  |
 | ia64                | Itanium processor     |
 | arm                 | 32 bit ARM processor  |
+| arc                 | 32 bit ARC processor  |
 | aarch64             | 64 bit ARM processor  |
 | mips                | 32 bit MIPS processor |
 | mips64              | 64 bit MIPS processor |
diff --git a/mesonbuild/environment.py b/mesonbuild/environment.py
index 9c969ad08..3ca8692a1 100644
--- a/mesonbuild/environment.py
+++ b/mesonbuild/environment.py
@@ -69,6 +69,7 @@ build_filename = 'meson.build'
 
 known_cpu_families = (
     'aarch64',
+    'arc',
     'arm',
     'e2k',
     'ia64',