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."
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
Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2026
The brand earned the podiatrist seal of approval, which signifies that its footwear provides adequate support on arches, toes, and ankles.
—Claire West, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
The protective netting that arches over so many of the roads in the eastern Donbas region – stopping drones in their tracks – is not your friend here, but a limitation on movement.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 15 May 2026
Our picks include flip-flops, strappy wedges, slides, and more, and take the pressure off with cushy arch support and insoles that prevent pain all day.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for arch
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
One of the route’s most iconic sights is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a sweeping arc of concrete arches made famous by the Harry Potter film series.
—Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2026
The brand earned the podiatrist seal of approval, which signifies that its footwear provides adequate support on arches, toes, and ankles.
—Claire West, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Verb
When Sarah’s eyes moved from the map to the paper piling up in my writing nook marked with the chicken scratchings of a madman, her eyebrows arched to the highest point eyebrows can arch.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
The protective netting that arches over so many of the roads in the eastern Donbas region – stopping drones in their tracks – is not your friend here, but a limitation on movement.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
Adjective
Beyond the band strap, the sandals also have a ton of additional features, including a shock-absorbing EVA midsole, plus a footbed with impressive arch support, and a deep heel cup for stability and flexibility.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 15 May 2026
Our picks include flip-flops, strappy wedges, slides, and more, and take the pressure off with cushy arch support and insoles that prevent pain all day.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for arch
Cite this Entry
“Arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arch. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
