arch
curved structure over an opening
A strong curved part of a building, bridge, or gate that goes over an open space and holds weight.
an arch over [an opening]
- They walked through the old stone arch into the courtyard.
- A series of arches supported the weight of the bridge.
- The cathedral has a high Gothic arch above the main door.
- Tourists gathered under the triumphal arch to take photos.
- The tunnel entrance was framed by a decorative brick arch.
- We stood under the arch and took a photo.
- The church has a big arch over the door.
- The bridge is held up by three strong arches.
- Workers built an arch from heavy stone blocks.
- You can see the sea through the rock arch.
curved part of body or object
The curved part of something, especially the bottom part of your foot that does not touch the ground when you stand.
the arch of [a body part]
- She rubbed the arch of her foot after walking all day.
- The doctor pressed on the arch to find the source of the pain.
- Runners with high arches often need special shoes.
- My arches start to hurt if I stand for too long.
- The elegant arch of her eyebrow made her look surprised.
- I have pain in the arch of my foot.
- His arches are very high, so he uses soft insoles.
- The nurse checked the arches of the baby’s feet.
- She drew the arch of the bridge and then added details.
- The cat stretched, and the arch of its back grew higher.
form or make a curved shape
To bend or move into a high, curved shape, or to make something do this.
to arch [a body part]
- The cat arched its back when it felt threatened.
- She arched her eyebrows in disbelief.
- Tall trees arch over the path, creating a tunnel of shade.
- He arched his body to dive cleanly into the water.
- A metal frame arches above the entrance to the park.
- The baby arched his back and started to cry.
- She arched her neck to see the screen.
- The bridge arches over the river.
- Two branches arch across the narrow road.
- He slowly arched his body in a yoga pose.
playfully teasing or sly
Showing that you are joking, teasing, or being a little clever and not completely serious.
an arch [smile/comment/tone]
- She gave him an arch smile and changed the subject.
- His arch tone made it clear he was not being entirely serious.
- The article takes an arch look at celebrity culture.
- With an arch remark, he let her know he had guessed the secret.
- Her reply was so arch that everyone knew she was teasing.
- He answered with an arch smile.
- Her voice was arch, so I knew she was joking.
- The movie has an arch, playful style.
- She made an arch comment about his new haircut.
- His arch tone made the serious topic feel lighter.
chief or most extreme
Used before a noun to mean the main or biggest example of something, especially a person who is your main enemy or rival.
arch [enemy/rival/villain]
- In the comics, the hero faces his arch enemy again and again.
- For years, the two companies were arch rivals in the smartphone market.
- The film’s arch villain is charming but ruthless.
- He became the arch critic of the government’s new policy.
- Their club sees the team from the next city as its arch rival.
- Batman fights his arch enemy, the Joker.
- These two schools are arch rivals in sports.
- The story has an arch villain who wants power.
- For her, boredom is the arch enemy of creativity.
- The two leaders were arch rivals for many years.
curved arrangement of teeth in a jaw
In dental language, the way the teeth form a curve in the top or bottom jaw.
the dental arch of [the upper/lower jaw]
- The orthodontist examined the shape of her upper dental arch.
- Braces were used to widen the arch of his upper teeth.
- The lower arch was crowded, so two teeth had to be removed.
- Changes in the dental arch can affect the way a person bites.
- The arch form is important for both function and appearance.
- The dentist looked at the shape of my dental arch.
- My braces are changing the arch of my teeth.
- Her upper arch is narrow, so she needs treatment.
- The dental arch should have a smooth curve.
- A wide arch can give more space for the teeth.
- Base: arch
- Base: arch
- Plural: arches, archs
- Base: arch
- 3rd Person Singular: arches
- Present Participle: arching
- Past: arched
arch enemy
1main or most hated enemy
A person, group, or thing that is someone’s main and strongest enemy, often for a long time.
- In the story, the hero finally defeats his arch enemy.
- For many fans, that team will always be their club’s arch enemy.
- Laziness is her arch enemy when she is trying to study.
arch your eyebrows
1raise eyebrows to show reaction
To raise and curve your eyebrows to show surprise, doubt, or another strong feeling.
- She arched her eyebrows when she heard the strange question.
- He just arched his eyebrows instead of answering.
- The teacher arched her eyebrows, and the class went quiet.
fallen arches
1condition of flat or collapsed arches
A medical problem in which the curved parts under your feet become flat, often called flat feet.
- He wears special shoes because he has fallen arches.
- The doctor said her knee pain might be linked to fallen arches.
- People with fallen arches sometimes need extra support in their shoes.
arch rival
1main or strongest rival
A person or group that is your main competitor, especially over a long time.
- They will face their arch rival in tomorrow's final.
- The two companies have been arch rivals for decades.
- The superhero confronted his arch rival once again.
- Their team faces its arch rival in the final match.
- In the show, the magician and his arch rival try to outdo each other.