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

With another 64 fighters still outstanding and a separate $14 billion arms package awaiting approval, the real test of Washington’s commitment will not be the arrival of two jets, but whether the rest follow. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Donna Karan New York made a sweet arrival in Paris during fashion week, hosting an intimate dinner at Left Bank spot Sugaar to celebrate Mert Alas’ return as the brand’s creative collaborator and the launch of this season’s ad campaign. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026

Much like its namesake, this necklace—part of a suite that includes a matching pair of earrings—announces its arrival from afar. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026

And maybe that’s why its imminent US arrival is getting people talking. — New Atlas, 3 Oct. 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