arbor

1 of 3

noun (1)

ar·​bor ˈär-bər How to pronounce arbor (audio)
Synonyms of arbornext
: a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines

Illustration of arbor

Illustration of arbor
  • 1arbor

arbor

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
: a spindle or axle of a wheel
2
: a main shaft or beam
3
: a shaft on which a revolving cutting tool is mounted
4
: a spindle on a cutting machine that holds the work to be cut

arbor-

3 of 3

combining form

variants or arbori-
: tree
arboriculture

Examples of arbor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Worship services were held under a brush arbor until a church was built. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 Another culinary standout is Les Tonnelles, a farm-to-table restaurant situated at the heart of a grape arbor. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026 This design that shows off a wood arbor paired with a wood bench is a great example. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 13 May 2026 This backyard takes a more elaborate approach with a series of arbors wrapped in string lights leading the way to the firepit area. Marisa Donnelly, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for arbor

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English erber, herber garden, from Anglo-French, from herbe herb, grass

Noun (2)

Latin, tree, shaft

Combining form

Latin arbor

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of arbor was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arbor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arbor. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

arbor

noun
ar·​bor
ˈär-bər
: a shelter of vines or branches or a structure of crossed wood or metal strips covered with climbing shrubs or vines

Medical Definition

arbor

noun
ar·​bor ˈär-bər How to pronounce arbor (audio)
: a branching anatomical structure resembling a tree

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