Illustration of arch
- 1 round
- imp impost
- sp springer
- v voussoir
- k keystone
- ext extrados
- int intrados
- 2 horseshoe
- 3 lancet
- 4 ogee
- 5 trefoil
- 6 basket-handle
- 7 Tudor
1
: a typically curved structural member spanning an opening and serving as a support (as for the wall or other weight above the opening)
2
a
: something resembling an arch in form or function
especially
: either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it
b
: something that has a curved shape like an arch
There was a slight arch in her eyebrows.
an arch in the cat's back
3
: archway
arched; arching; arches
1
: to cover or provide with an arch
A bridge arches the stream.
2
: to form into an arch
She arched her eyebrows.
1
: to form an arch
Trees arch above the promenade.
2
: to take an arch-shaped course
The ball arched toward the basket.
2
a
: mischievous, saucy
b
: marked by a deliberate and often forced playfulness, irony, or impudence
known for her arch comments
… decided to answer them by being teacherly in a sort of arch, Olympian way.—
Gerald Early
Gerald Early
archness
noun
1
: chief : principal
archfiend
2
: extreme : most fully embodying the qualities of the kind
archconservative
see archi-
: ruler : leader
matriarch
: having (such) a point or (so many) points of origin
endarch
Did you know?
As a prefix, arch- appears in a number of titles referring to positions of superiority, such as archduke and archbishop; it can also mean "chief" (as in archnemesis) or "extreme" (archconservative). It comes from the Greek verb archein, meaning "to begin or to rule."
Synonyms
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Examples of arch in a Sentence
Noun
There was a slight arch to her eyebrows.
an arch in the cat's back
Verb
The cat arched its back.
She arched her eyebrows in surprise.
A tree arches over the road.
She arched backward to begin the exercise.
Adjective
a politician known for his arch humor
The novel is never mocking or arch in its tone.
Recent Examples on the Web
Natasha Dye, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
On the fifth floor, a 6,000-square-foot space called the Pedder Arcade has a distinctly Wong Kar-wai feel, punctuated by broad arches and spinning overhead fans.
—Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025
This usually occurred when other males were around, who seemed fascinated in turn by the arching streams of pee, even chasing after them with their snouts.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2025
Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
The Nova sneaker has orthopedic technology including shock absorption and arch support to keep your feet feeling their best.
—Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for arch 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The couple shared a romantic photo on Instagram together of Allen down on one knee in front of Steinfeld, with both surrounded by an arch of pink and red roses in front of a body of water.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
On the fifth floor, a 6,000-square-foot space called the Pedder Arcade has a distinctly Wong Kar-wai feel, punctuated by broad arches and spinning overhead fans.
—Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
The plants and lights continue up the wall and arch over her TV.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025
This usually occurred when other males were around, who seemed fascinated in turn by the arching streams of pee, even chasing after them with their snouts.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
The lows and the highs inevitably come from two games against arch rivals Brighton & Hove Albion but overall, 2024 has been a positive year for Palace.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
The Nova sneaker has orthopedic technology including shock absorption and arch support to keep your feet feeling their best.
—Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for arch
Dictionary Entries Near arch
Cite this Entry
“Arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arch. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
arch
2 of 4 verb1
: to cover or provide with an arch
2
: to form into an arch
3
: to take an arch-shaped path
arch-
4 of 4 prefix
: chief : principal
archenemy
Etymology
Noun
Middle English arche "arch," from early French arche (same meaning), derived from Latin arcus "bow (weapon)"
Adjective
from arch- (prefix)
Prefix
derived from Greek archein "to begin, rule"
Medical Definition
arch
noun1
: an anatomical structure that resembles an arch in form or function: as
a
: either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it:
(1)
: a longitudinal arch supported posteriorly by the basal tuberosity of the calcaneus and anteriorly by the heads of the metatarsal bones
(2)
: a transverse arch consisting of the metatarsals and first row of tarsals and resulting from elevation of the central anterior portion of the median longitudinal arch
2
: a fingerprint in which all the ridges run from side to side and make no backward turn
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