# arch

/ˈɑɹtʃ/ (US) · /ˈɑːtʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/arch
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. curved structure

noun · CEFR B1

a curved structure that supports the weight of something above it, like a bridge or a doorway.

For teachers: a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it.

- The train passed under a stone arch as it entered the old city.
- The cathedral's soaring arches were designed to distribute the massive weight of the stone roof outward to the supporting buttresses.

### 2. part of the foot

noun · CEFR B2

the curved part of the bottom of your foot between the toes and the heel.

For teachers: the curved part of the human foot between the toes and the heel, which provides structural support for the body's weight.

- He bought special shoes because he has high arches and needs extra support.
- Long-distance runners often require footwear with specific cushioning to prevent the arch of the foot from collapsing under repetitive stress.

### 3. to curve

verb · CEFR B2

to form a curved shape.

For teachers: to form or cause to form the shape of an arch; often used intransitively to describe a physical movement.

- The cat arched its back when it saw the dog enter the room.
- The bridge arches gracefully over the river, connecting the historic district with the modern commercial centre.

### 4. mischievous or knowing

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

acting like you know a secret or find something funny in a clever way.

For teachers: deliberately or affectedly playful and teasing; conveying the impression that one possesses secret or superior knowledge.

- She gave him an arch look when he tried to hide the surprise gift.
- The professor raised an arch eyebrow at the student's creative, if somewhat improbable, explanation for the missing assignment.

### 5. principal or chief

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal

the most important or main person of a certain type, often used with negative words.

For teachers: chief or principal; most extreme of its kind. Often used as a prefix or in combination with nouns denoting negative roles.

- In the story, the hero finally defeats his arch enemy.
- The diplomat was known as an arch-conservative, resisting any policy change that threatened the traditional social order.

Usage: Usually appears before the noun it modifies.

## Examples

- The stone arch looks beautiful in the garden.
- The runners complained of pain in the arch of their feet after the marathon.
- The cathedral's soaring Gothic arches distribute the immense weight of the stone ceiling outward to the buttresses, allowing for much larger windows.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.