arbor

1 of 3

noun (1)

ar·​bor ˈär-bər 

: a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines

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

Noun

If there's a silver lining to an otherwise senseless spate of arbor violence, Vejar said, the city now has an opportunity to diversify its urban forest. —Vanessa Romo, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025

Offering picturesque views, the surrounding lawn, gardens, and arbors can also accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings, concerts, and corporate retreats. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025

Full sun Soil Type: Medium, well-draining, average Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11 Thriving in heat and sun, bougainvillea are traditionally grown on arbors and fences to provide privacy, but several newer varieties take on a more shrub-like habit. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2025

Photo : Elite Auctions An arbor is the ideal setting for a wedding. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for arbor

• arbour
• harbor
• harbour

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 

: a branching anatomical structure resembling a tree