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
Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Bristling body armor includes slats in the front wheel arches to relieve air pressure from rotating wheels.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Scott Herhold, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
Over and over, its head arched up as if to take in the sun, and then flopped backward as if its bones had liquified.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Alexis Berger, SELF, 31 Mar. 2025
These flats are engineered for all-day comfort, with arch support and shock-absorbing cushioning that reduces pressure and prevents blisters.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2025
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
But what happened a month later seemed more important in the arch of Cozens’ story.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Bristling body armor includes slats in the front wheel arches to relieve air pressure from rotating wheels.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
The arching windows inside the convention center reflect an architect’s genius.
—Scott Herhold, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
Over and over, its head arched up as if to take in the sun, and then flopped backward as if its bones had liquified.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Lots of padding around the ankle Great arch support
Deep lugs for solid traction
Breathable mesh lining
Heavy, can feel a little bulky
Whether the itinerary calls for backpacking, scrambling up a steep incline, or strolling along a dirt path, the Keen Targhee IV boot is up to the task.
—Alexis Berger, SELF, 31 Mar. 2025
These flats are engineered for all-day comfort, with arch support and shock-absorbing cushioning that reduces pressure and prevents blisters.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arch
Cite this Entry
“Arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arch. Accessed 4 Apr. 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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