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Added 1 October 2026

arch

/ɑɹt͡ʃ/ noun

Categories: Describing WordsThe BodyEveryday Words

In Latin: arcus Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about arch at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. An inverted U shape.
  2. An arch-shaped arrangement of trapezoidal stones, designed to redistribute downward force outward.
  3. An architectural element having the shape of an arch

verb

  1. To form into an arch shape.
    The cat arched its back.
  2. To cover with an arch or arches.

adjective

  1. Knowing, clever, mischievous.
    I attempted to hide my emotions, but an arch remark escaped my lips.
  2. Cute, sly, prematurely wise.
  3. Principal; primary.
    They were arch enemies.

noun

  1. A chief.
  2. Synonym of god (“person who owns and runs a multi-user dungeon”).

Origin

From Middle English arch, arche, from Old French arche (“an arch”), a feminine form of arc, from Latin arcus (“a bow, arc, arch”). Doublet of arc and arco. Displaced native Old English bīeġels and Old English hwealf.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: archwayheadtopcurvearcbosschiefpatronisingskilledsuperiorimportantpatronizing

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