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
Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Try to lift your arches while keeping your toes and heels on the ground.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025
Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Softly arching habit of growth that melds into its surroundings?
—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025
Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2025
Thanks to the deep heel cup and contoured arch support, these shoes will ward off aches and pains during any summer itinerary.
—Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for arch
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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 Unknown Soldier War Memorial contains a flame and the tomb of a soldier killed in World War I under an arch of the Arc de Triomphe.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Try to lift your arches while keeping your toes and heels on the ground.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
Like claws to the earth, mangrove roots arched their way into the marsh, thirsty for the nutrients St. Lucia had to offer.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Softly arching habit of growth that melds into its surroundings?
—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025
Adjective
The comfortable slip-on shoes have a contoured footbed with arch support, and they’re made with lightweight materials that make the loafers ideal for summer.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2025
Thanks to the deep heel cup and contoured arch support, these shoes will ward off aches and pains during any summer itinerary.
—Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 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 19 Aug. 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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