arch

IPA/ɑːtʃ/
KK[ˈɑrtʃ]IPA/ɑːrtʃ/

arch — noun

  • archsingular
  • archesplural

1. an overhead building element with a curved shape, set above a doorway or gap to

1.nounB1
Definition

an overhead building element with a curved shape, set above a doorway or gap to carry the load from the wall or roof above it

Example

The old Roman arch in the town square still stands strong after the earthquake.

stone arch / stands strong — physical support

Visitors walked through a beautiful arch covered with climbing roses.

Common collocations
  • build an arch
  • stone arch
  • marble arch
  • triumphal arch
  • arch support
Synonyms
  • vault

    a curved ceiling or roof formed by a series of arches joined together

  • archway

    the passage or entrance under an arch, or the arch itself seen as an entrance

  • arc

    a curved line or shape, not necessarily weight-bearing or structural

2. a line or outline whose arc mirrors the curve of an arched doorway, seen in orna

2.nounB1
Definition

a line or outline whose arc mirrors the curve of an arched doorway, seen in ornamentation and nature

Example

The branches formed a natural arch over the garden path.

natural arch — organic curved shape

With both hands on her hips, Ingrid's arms formed a gentle arch on each side.

Common collocations
  • form an arch
  • natural arch
  • perfect arch
Synonyms
  • curve

    any smooth bend, not necessarily arch-shaped or symmetrical

  • bow

    a bend or curve, especially one that is rounded like a bow

Usage Note

This sense describes anything with an arch-like curve. Distinguish from sense 1 (CURVED STRUCTURE), which refers specifically to a weight-bearing building element.

3. the slightly inward-curving section on the underside of each foot between the ba

3.nounB1
Definition

the slightly inward-curving section on the underside of each foot between the ball and the heel, which gives spring and flexibility when walking or running

Example

Padma's new running shoes give good support to her arches.

arch support — shoes that cushion the foot curve

After walking through the night market, Antonia felt a sharp pain in her foot arch.

Common collocations
  • high arch
  • flat arch
  • fallen arches
  • arch support
  • foot arch
Synonyms
  • instep

    the upper surface of the foot's arch, not the bottom curve itself

Usage Note

Often used in the plural (arches) because each foot has an arch. Common collocations: 'fallen arches' (flat feet), 'arch support' (shoe feature).

Common Mistakes

She has a high arch on her hand.
She has high arches in her feet.
The word 'arch' for the foot curve does not apply to hands.

4. any anatomical structure with a recognizable arch-like curvature, such as a curv

4.nounB2
Definition

any anatomical structure with a recognizable arch-like curvature, such as a curved blood vessel or the curved bone under the brow

Example

Aisha felt the bony arch above her right eye after the fall.

bony arch above the eye — brow ridge curve

Chen noticed the delicate arch of his niece's collarbone as she slept.

Common collocations
  • aortic arch
  • dental arch
  • zygomatic arch
  • bony arch

Usage Note

Mostly used in medical or technical anatomy contexts. Often forms part of a compound term such as 'aortic arch' or 'dental arch'.

arch — adjective

arch — verb

Word family

  • archway
    nounB1
  • arched
    adjectiveB1
  • archer
    nounB2
  • archery
    nounB2
  • archly
    adverbC1
  • archness
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Arch, archway, vault, and arc all refer to curved shapes, but they differ in structure and use. An 'arch' is a weight-bearing curved structure that spans an opening, such as a door or bridge, and supports the load above it. 'Archway' refers specifically to the passage or entrance under an arch, often seen as an architectural feature you can walk through. A 'vault' is a curved ceiling or roof made from a series of arches joined together, creating an enclosed space like the ceiling of a cathedral. 'Arc' is a broader term for any curved line or segment of a circle — it does not imply structure or support. For example, you would say 'the arc of a thrown ball' but not 'the arch of a thrown ball.' Choose 'arch' when you mean a structural curve that bears weight; use 'archway' to emphasize the entrance it creates; 'vault' for a curved overhead space; and 'arc' for any mathematical or natural curve.

arch ↗archwayvault ↗arc ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • form an arch
  • arch of the foot
  • triumphal arch

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglishGreek

The meanings of 'arch' come from two separate historical roots. The noun and verb (a curved structure, to bend into a curve) come from Old French 'arche', which came from Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow, curve, arch'. The adjective meaning 'knowing, playfully superior' developed from the Latin prefix 'archi-' (chief, principal) through Old English 'arce-', evolving from 'chief in a negative sense' to 'crafty, roguish'. The prefix 'arch-' (as in archbishop, archrival) also comes from this same Greek 'arkhi-' (chief, principal) via Latin and Old English.

First known use

13th century

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a Verb