arrival

noun

ar·​riv·​al ə-ˈrī-vəl 

1

: the act of arriving

2

: the attainment of an end or state

3

: one that has recently arrived

new arrivals

see also:

dead on arrival

Synonyms of arrival

• advent
• appearance
• coming

Examples of arrival in a Sentence

They were awaiting the arrival of guests.

When is the mail scheduled for arrival?

They track the number of airport arrivals and departures.

They were late arrivals at the party.

They are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their wedding day.

the changes that occur with the arrival of spring

the arrival of new technology

Recent Examples on the Web

The Fort Worth and Fort Collins shows—the former the only 1976 show ever officially pressed to vinyl, the latter released to streaming services without notice a week before the box’s arrival—are instant classics of Dylan’s entire live oeuvre. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026

Chicago builds quantum hub The arrival of System Two is part of a broader effort to position Illinois as a center for quantum technology and microelectronics. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

Call Parisol a counterpoint to the recent luxurification of Las Olas, which just saw the arrivals of high-end restaurants Caviar Club and NAIA. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026

The historic canvas, on loan from London’s National Gallery, has a fascinating backstory and represents a key moment in French political history, making its arrival shortly after this country’s stunning midterm election particularly auspicious. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English arivaile, arrival "act of arriving, landing, disembarkation," borrowed from Anglo-French arrivayle, arivail, from ariver, arriver "to arrive entry 1" + -ayle, -ail, in part going back to Latin -ālis -al entry 2, in part a collective suffix going back to Latin -ālia, from neuter plural of -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing arrival

• dead on arrival
• departure/arrival time

Rhymes for arrival

• archival
• revival
• survival
• conjunctival
• rival
• subconjunctival

Kids Definition

arrival

noun

ar·​riv·​al ə-ˈrī-vəl 

1

: the act of arriving

await the arrival of guests

2

: a person or thing that has arrived

late arrivals at a concert