Definition of arch - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
bend curvetr./intr. bend something into a curved or arch shapetr./intr.
- She arched her back gracefully.
2.
architecturetr. cover with a curved overhead structuretr.
- The bridge was arched with stone.
Noun
1.
architecturecurved structure spanning an opening
- The ancient bridge had a stone arch.
2.
buildinginverted U shape
- The rainbow formed a perfect arch.
3.
geologynatural arch-shaped rock formation
- We hiked to see the famous rock arch.
4.
behaviorUK mischievous or knowing behaviorUK
- Her smile had an arch quality, hinting at hidden knowledge..
5.
medicalcurved part of the bottom of a foot
- She felt pain in the arch of her foot.
6.
biologyTECH. basic pattern of a fingerprintTECH.
- His fingerprint had a distinctive arch pattern.
Adjective
1.
behaviorUK clever and mischievous in a playful wayUK
- She gave him an arch smile.
2.
attitudebehaving as if superior to others
- Her arch tone annoyed everyone in the room.
Images of arch

curved structure spanning an opening 
natural arch-shaped rock formation 
basic pattern of a fingerprint
Expressions with arch
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curve the back upward to form an arch shape
She arched her back during the yoga pose.
curved structure of balloons for decoration
The wedding entrance had a beautiful balloon arch.
form a curved shape over something
The bridge arches over the river.
device inserted in a shoe to support the foot's arch
He bought arch supports to relieve his foot pain.
very strict and traditional in political or social views
He is known for his arch conservative opinions.
person seen as the worst or main betrayer
He was remembered in history as the arch traitor.
condition where the foot arch collapses
He was diagnosed with a fallen arch.
arch built to celebrate a significant victory or event
The triumphal arch in Paris commemorates Napoleon's victories..
main enemy or most important rival
The superhero finally defeated his arch-foe.
main enemy or most important bad person in a story
The arch-villain plotted to take over the city.
structure resembling a tent's arch
The garden entrance has a beautiful tent arch.
curved structure over a vehicle's wheel
The mud splashed up onto the wheel arch during the rainy drive.
bridge with ends shaped as an arch
The ancient Romans built many arch bridges.
arch with a pointed top
The cathedral features a stunning Gothic arch.
arch with a pointed apex, common in Gothic architecture
The cathedral featured several pointed arches, enhancing its Gothic aesthetic..
round opening curve forming a half circle, traced from one point
The doorway uses a semicircular arch typical of Roman buildings.
arch with a smooth curved shape
The ancient building featured a beautiful round arch.
curved part of aorta where arteries to head and arms branch
The aortic arch is crucial for directing blood flow to the upper body..
arch with a rounded top that extends downwards beyond a semicircle
The ancient mosque featured a beautiful horseshoe arch at its entrance..
arch with a double curve resembling an S-shape
The ogee arch in the cathedral doorway added a touch of elegance..
arch that frames the stage opening in a theater
The actors stood just behind the proscenium arch.
bony arch on skull side connecting cheekbone to temporal bone
The zygomatic arch is visible on the side of the skull.
curved dam that transfers water pressure to adjacent rock walls
The arch dam effectively held back the river, stabilizing the water flow.
curved middle part along the underside of the foot supporting body weight
The runner felt sharp pain in the arch of the foot.
Origin of arch
Greek, archos (leader)
Terms with arch included in their meaning
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sky phenomenon
arch of colors in the sky after rain
physical action
to physically lean forward or arch the back
physical action
bend or arch the back physically
arched structure
bridge with a pronounced arch in the middle
architecture
central stone at the top of an arch
architecture
ceiling that curves upward forming one arch or several arches
building
height of an arch or a step
games
small arch in croquet
arch support
solid structure supporting lateral pressure of an arch or vault
architecture
buttress connected by an arch to a wall
posture issue
excessive inward bend in the lower spine, making the back arch
theater architecture
arch separating stage from audience
theater design
raised area in a theater framed by an arch
structure
bony arch formed by collarbones and shoulder blades
shaping
shape into a curve or arch
architecture
column supporting an arch
construction
temporary framework used in arch construction
architecture
shape something into a curved arch
croquet
small arch in croquet
architecture
raise the whole ring of an arch
construction
wooden frame supporting an arch during construction
architecture
high narrow window with a pointed arch
architecture
the level where an arch rises from support
architecture
voussoir in an arch or vault
Examples of arch in a sentence
He arched the metal rod to fit the frame. The ancient ruins were arched with great skill. The entrance was beautifully arched with marble. The cathedral's arch was beautifully decorated. An arch can support a lot of weight. They walked beneath the stone arch at the entrance.
A narrow arch framed the garden gate. The arch stood majestically in the desert. Tourists flocked to see the natural arch. His arch glance made everyone laugh. The arch tone in his voice was unmistakable. The arch supports the body's weight. He noticed the arch was unusually high. The arch is a common fingerprint pattern. Detectives look for arches in fingerprint analysis. His arch comments always kept the conversation lively. With an arch glance, she hinted at her secret plan. His arch comments made her uncomfortable. She gave an arch smile, knowing she was right.
View all translations of arch
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:cambrer, arc, ...
- German:wölben, Bogen, ...
- Italian:inarcare, arco, ...
- Spanish:arquear, arco, ...
- Portuguese:arquear, arco, ...
- Chinese:弯成弧形, 拱, ...
- Japanese:アーチ状に曲げる, アーチ, ...
- Arabic:قوَّسَ, قَوْس, ...
- Hebrew:לְקַמֵּר, קֶשֶׁת, ...
- Russian:изгибать, арка, ...
- Ukrainian:вигинати дугою, арка, ...
- Hindi:वक्र बनाना, मेहराब, ...
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