ENGLISH
REFERENCE

arcade

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɑɹˈkeɪd// UK //ɑːkˈeɪd// ar·cade

n. a covered passage or walkway with arches on one or both sides. You often see these in old cities where shops are lined up under a roof.

n. a covered passage or walkway, typically lined with shops, featuring a series of arches supported by columns or piers. Often used to describe historical commercial architecture.


SIMPLE

We walked through the stone arcade to stay out of the rain.

CONTEXTUAL

The historic shopping arcade features high glass ceilings and several small boutiques along its arched walkway.

COMPLEX

The architect designed a grand arcade that connects the two wings of the museum, providing a sheltered transition for visitors while maintaining a visual link to the courtyard.

Synonyms
Origin

Unadapted borrowing from French arcade, from Italian arcata (“arch of a bridge”), from Latin arcus (“arc”). Not related to Arcadia.

Usage

Commonly refers to both the architectural structure and the commercial space within it.

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