arch

1 of 9

noun

1
: a typically curved structural member spanning an opening and serving as a support (as for the wall or other weight above the opening)
2
a
: something resembling an arch in form or function
especially : either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it
b
: something that has a curved shape like an arch
There was a slight arch in her eyebrows.
an arch in the cat's back
3

Illustration of arch

Illustration of arch
  • 1 round
  • imp impost
  • sp springer
  • v voussoir
  • k keystone
  • ext extrados
  • int intrados
  • 2 horseshoe
  • 3 lancet
  • 4 ogee
  • 5 trefoil
  • 6 basket-handle
  • 7 Tudor

arch

2 of 9

verb

arched; arching; arches

transitive verb

1
: to cover or provide with an arch
A bridge arches the stream.
2
: to form into an arch
She arched her eyebrows.

intransitive verb

1
: to form an arch
Trees arch above the promenade.
2
: to take an arch-shaped course
The ball arched toward the basket.

arch

3 of 9

adjective

1
: principal, chief
your arch opponent/rival
an arch enemy
2
b
: marked by a deliberate and often forced playfulness, irony, or impudence
known for her arch comments
… decided to answer them by being teacherly in a sort of arch, Olympian way.Gerald Early
archness noun

arch

4 of 9

abbreviation (1)

Arch

5 of 9

abbreviation (2)

arch-

6 of 9

prefix (1)

1
: chief : principal
archfiend
2
: extreme : most fully embodying the qualities of the kind
archconservative

arch-

7 of 9

prefix (2)

see archi-

-arch

8 of 9

noun combining form

: ruler : leader
matriarch
: having (such) a point or (so many) points of origin
endarch

Did you know?

As a prefix, arch- appears in a number of titles referring to positions of superiority, such as archduke and archbishop; it can also mean "chief" (as in archnemesis) or "extreme" (archconservative). It comes from the Greek verb archein, meaning "to begin or to rule."

Examples of arch in a Sentence

Noun There was a slight arch to her eyebrows. an arch in the cat's back Verb The cat arched its back. She arched her eyebrows in surprise. A tree arches over the road. She arched backward to begin the exercise. Adjective a politician known for his arch humor The novel is never mocking or arch in its tone.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
In June 1969, Walmart moved their sporting goods department into the old Rife Variety store (with the arch). James F. Hales Remembering Rogers, arkansasonline.com, 31 Oct. 2024 This stunning 215-foot-tall limestone arch was carved over many years by babbling Cedar Creek. Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024
Verb
Stomach sleepers require extra support to keep their hips from dipping, causing their low back to arch uncomfortably. Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 The character’s technicolor look, which features striped sleeves and boots, lots of stars and an arching rainbow on her dress, became forever iconic. Victoria Edel, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The thick flexible soles and sturdy construction delivered excellent arch support for confidence in a full range of movement during long shifts. Samson McDougall, Health, 30 Oct. 2024 Beyond being associated with more tripping, Dr. Pria Parthasarathy, a spokesperson for American Podiatric Medical Association, said, the shoe doesn’t provide sufficient arch support and can keep moisture on the skin surface, which can cause blisters. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for arch 

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English arche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *arca, from Latin arcus — more at arrow

Adjective

arch- entry 1

Prefix (1)

Middle English arche-, arch-, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English arce-, from Late Latin arch- & Latin archi-; Anglo-French arch-, from Late Latin arch- & Latin archi-, from Greek arch-, archi-, from archein to begin, rule; akin to Greek archē beginning, rule, archos ruler

Noun combining form

Middle English -arche, from Anglo-French & Late Latin & Latin; Anglo-French -arche, from Late Latin -archa, from Latin -arches, -archus, from Greek -archēs, -archos, from archein

Adjective combining form

probably from German, from Greek archē beginning

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of arch was in the 13th century

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near arch

Cite this Entry

“Arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arch. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

arch

1 of 4 noun
1
: a usually curved part of a structure that is over an opening and serves as a support
2
: something resembling an arch in form or function
especially : either of two portions of the bony structure of the foot that give it flexibility
3

arch

2 of 4 verb
1
: to cover or provide with an arch
2
: to form into an arch
3
: to take an arch-shaped path

arch

3 of 4 adjective
1
: principal, chief
an arch opponent
2
: being clever and mischievous
an arch look
archly adverb
archness noun

arch-

4 of 4 prefix
: chief : principal
archenemy
Etymology

Noun

Middle English arche "arch," from early French arche (same meaning), derived from Latin arcus "bow (weapon)"

Adjective

from arch- (prefix)

Prefix

derived from Greek archein "to begin, rule"

Medical Definition

arch

noun
1
: an anatomical structure that resembles an arch in form or function: as
a
: either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it:
(1)
: a longitudinal arch supported posteriorly by the basal tuberosity of the calcaneus and anteriorly by the heads of the metatarsal bones
(2)
: a transverse arch consisting of the metatarsals and first row of tarsals and resulting from elevation of the central anterior portion of the median longitudinal arch
2
: a fingerprint in which all the ridges run from side to side and make no backward turn

More from Merriam-Webster on arch

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