architecture

noun

ar·​chi·​tec·​ture ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər How to pronounce architecture (audio)
Synonyms of architecturenext
1
: the art or science of building
specifically : the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones
2
a
: formation or construction resulting from or as if from a conscious act
the architecture of the garden
b
: a unifying or coherent form or structure
a novel that lacks architecture
3
: architectural product or work
buildings that comprise the architecture of the square
4
: a method or style of building
Gothic architecture
5
: the manner in which the components of a computer or computer system are organized and integrated
different program architectures

Examples of architecture in a Sentence

In college, he studied architecture. The architecture of the building is modern.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Elements of the interior architecture have been redesigned, and the result is a characterful blend of old and new. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026 Jianzhong stated the contra-rotary compressor is the main innovation behind the system’s architecture. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026 The lack of any such connection will literally change the architecture of a developing young brain for the worse, leaving one impulsive and susceptible to all kinds of pressures as an adult. Namir Khaliq, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 The deeper challenge for all states is to reform a global financial architecture that evolved based on the interests of a handful of Western creditor states, at the cost of austerity and social destruction elsewhere. Sven Van Mourik, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for architecture

Word History

Etymology

see architect

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of architecture was in 1555

Cite this Entry

“Architecture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/architecture. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

architecture

noun
ar·​chi·​tec·​ture ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər How to pronounce architecture (audio)
1
: the art or science of designing and building structures and especially ones that can be lived in
2
: architectural product or work
3
: a method or style of building
architectural
ˌär-kə-ˈtek-chə-rəl
-ˈtek-shrəl
adjective
architecturally
adverb

Medical Definition

architecture

noun
ar·​chi·​tec·​ture ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər How to pronounce architecture (audio)
: the basic structural form especially of a bodily part or of a large molecule
the architecture and function of the cerebral cortex
the complex molecular architecture of muscle cellsCarolyn Cohen
architecturally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on architecture

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster