Definition of arch
1 : a typically curved structural member spanning an opening and serving as a support (as for the wall or other weight above the opening)
2a : 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 itb : 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
Explore Merriam-Webster
arch was our Word of the Day on 02/19/2014. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of arch in a Sentence
There was a slight arch to her eyebrows.
an arch in the cat's back
Illustration of arch
Origin and Etymology of arch
Middle English arche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *arca, from Latin arcus — more at arrow
arch
Definition of arch
transitive verb
1 : to cover or provide with an arch A bridge arches the stream.
2 : to form into an arch She arched her eyebrows.
intransitive verb
1 : to form an arch Trees arch above the promenade.
2 : to take an arch-shaped course The ball arched toward the basket.
Examples of arch in a Sentence
The cat arched its back.
She arched her eyebrows in surprise.
A tree arches over the road.
She arched backward to begin the exercise.
Origin and Etymology of arch
see 1arch
arch
Definition of arch
2a : mischievous, saucyb : 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
archness
nounExamples of arch in a Sentence
a politician known for his arch humor
The novel is never mocking or arch in its tone.
Did You Know?
As a prefix, arch- appears in a number of titles referring to positions of superiority, such as archduke and archbishop. Ultimately deriving (via Latin and French) from the Greek verb archein ("to begin, rule"), it can also mean "chief " (as in archnemesis) or "extreme" (as in archconservative). In the 17th century, as the "extreme" sense of arch came to be used frequently to describe rogues, knaves, and other clever and mischievous sorts, arch eventually settled into use as an adjective to describe one with impish or playful qualities. Use of the word has since extended to describe actions or remarks meant to be ironic, cutting, or condescending.
Origin and Etymology of arch
1arch-
Arch
Definition of Arch
Archbishop
arch-
Definition of arch-
1 : chief : principal archfiend
2 : extreme : most fully embodying the qualities of the kind archconservative
Origin and Etymology of arch-
Middle English arche-, arch-, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English arce-, from Late Latin arch- & Latin archi-; Anglo-French arch-, from Late Latin arch- & Latin archi-, from Greek arch-, archi-, from archein to begin, rule; akin to Greek archē beginning, rule, archos ruler
-arch
Definition of -arch
: ruler : leader matriarch
Origin and Etymology of -arch
Middle English -arche, from Anglo-French & Late Latin & Latin; Anglo-French -arche, from Late Latin -archa, from Latin -arches, -archus, from Greek -archēs, -archos, from archein
-arch
Definition of -arch
: having (such) a point or (so many) points of origin endarch
Origin and Etymology of -arch
probably from German, from Greek archē beginning
ARCH Defined for English Language Learners
arch
playDefinition of arch for English Language Learners
-
: a usually curved part of a structure that is over an opening and that supports a wall or other weight above the opening
-
: the raised area on the bottom of the foot that is formed by a curved section of bones
-
: something that has a curved shape
arch
Definition of arch for English Language Learners
-
: to bend into the shape of an arch
arch
Definition of arch for English Language Learners
-
: having or showing an amused feeling of being superior to or knowing more than other people
arch-
Definition of arch- for English Language Learners
-
: main or chief
-
: extreme
ARCH Defined for Kids
Definition of arch for Students
1 : a usually curved part of a structure that is over an opening and serves as a support (as for the wall above the opening)
2 : something that has a curved shape like an arch the arch of the foot
arched
\ˈärcht\ adjective an arched doorwayMedical Dictionary
arch
playMedical Definition of arch
1: an anatomical structure that resembles an arch in form or function: asa: 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 archb: arch of the aorta
2: a fingerprint in which all the ridges run from side to side and make no backward turn
Illustration of arch
Learn More about arch
-
See words that rhyme with arch Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for arch Spanish Central: Translation of arch Nglish: Translation of arch for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of arch for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arch
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up arch? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!