architecture

noun

ar·​chi·​tec·​ture ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər 

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

Synonyms of architecture

• structure
• framework
• infrastructure

Examples of architecture in a Sentence

In college, he studied architecture.

The architecture of the building is modern.

Recent Examples on the Web

Historic Natchez sits high above the Mississippi River, offering remote workers river views, historic architecture, and a relocation incentive for eligible homebuyers. — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Its modular architecture is intended to make future technology insertions less disruptive, reducing the need for major overhauls each time a new capability is required. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Now, True Fit is bringing that architecture into production, with deployments live at enterprise retailers including Lands’ End. — Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026

Heidrick & Struggles sees advanced analytics increase by 350%, database architecture and data management grow by 150%, and process optimization and transformation rise by 147%. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see architect

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing architecture

• Norman architecture

Rhymes for architecture

• conjecture
• prefecture
• lecture

Kids Definition

architecture

noun

ar·​chi·​tec·​ture ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər 

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

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

architecture

noun

ar·​chi·​tec·​ture ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər 

: 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 cells

—Carolyn Cohen

architectural

ˌär-kə-ˈtek-chə-rəl, -ˈtek-shrəl 

adjective

architecturally

-ē 

adverb