arrival

noun

ar·​riv·​al ə-ˈrī-vəl How to pronounce arrival (audio)
Synonyms of arrivalnext
1
: the act of arriving
2
: the attainment of an end or state
3
: one that has recently arrived
new arrivals

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
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.
Jacob Elordi stopped by DiCaprio’s table to say hello, as Patricia Arquette found Mia Goth in the crowd for a hug and Chalamet made a quiet arrival and sat next to his Marty Supreme co-star Odessa A'Zion. Andrea Mandell, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026 One major development in the latter part of 2025 was the arrival on the scene of Tilly Norwood, a generative AI actress developed by Dutch actress and technologist Eline Van Der Velden. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026 But at the very least, this postseason represents the arrival of a new guard. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026 Crew-12 is currently scheduled for a mid-February launch, with Crew-11 previously slated for departure a handful of days after their arrival. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arrival

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of arrival was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arrival.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrival. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

arrival

noun
ar·​riv·​al ə-ˈrī-vəl How to pronounce arrival (audio)
1
: the act of arriving
await the arrival of guests
2
: a person or thing that has arrived
late arrivals at a concert

More from Merriam-Webster on arrival

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