# architecture

/ˈɑɹkəˌtɛktʃɝ/ (US) · /ˈɑːkɪtˌɛktʃɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. designing buildings

noun · CEFR A2

the job or study of designing buildings and other large structures.

For teachers: the profession, study, or practice of designing and constructing buildings and other physical structures.

- She decided to study architecture because she loved drawing and math.
- Modern architecture often prioritizes sustainable materials and energy efficiency over purely aesthetic considerations.

Usage: uncountable in this general sense.

### 2. a style of building

noun · CEFR B1

a particular style or way of designing buildings from a certain time or place.

For teachers: a specific style or method of building design characteristic of a period, place, or culture.

- The city is famous for its beautiful colonial architecture.
- The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, featuring pointed arches and elaborate stone carvings.

Usage: can be countable or uncountable.

### 3. system structure

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the way that the parts of a complex system or piece of software are organized.

For teachers: the fundamental organization of a system, embodied in its components and their relationships to each other.

- The new computer has a completely different architecture than the old model.
- The software's modular architecture allows developers to update individual components without compromising the stability of the entire platform.

Usage: often used to describe hardware or software frameworks.

## Examples

- I love the modern architecture of this museum.
- The city is famous for its Gothic architecture, featuring tall arches and detailed stone carvings.
- While the exterior displays traditional Victorian architecture, the internal software architecture of the building's climate control system is remarkably advanced and energy-efficient.

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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.