# array

/ɝˈeɪ/ (US) · /ɐɹˈeɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/array
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. an impressive group

noun · CEFR B2

a large and impressive collection of people or things.

For teachers: an imposing or comprehensive collection of items or people, often arranged for display.

- The shop offers a wide array of organic vegetables and fruits.
- The gallery featured a stunning array of contemporary sculptures, each positioned to catch the shifting afternoon light.

### 2. an orderly arrangement

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a group of things placed in a specific order or pattern.

For teachers: an orderly series or arrangement, often in rows or columns.

- The solar panels were placed in a neat array on the roof.
- The military commander inspected the array of troops, ensuring each battalion was perfectly aligned for the ceremonial parade.

### 3. computing data structure

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a way of storing a list of similar items in a computer program.

For teachers: a data structure consisting of a collection of elements, each identified by at least one array index or key.

- The programmer used an array to store the names of all the users.
- By using a multidimensional array, the software can efficiently process complex spatial coordinates in real-time.

### 4. legal jury panel

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

the group of people chosen to be a jury in a court case.

For teachers: the whole body of jurors summoned to attend a court or the list of those impanelled.

- The lawyer challenged the array of jurors, claiming the selection was unfair.
- The defense attorney moved to quash the array, arguing that the jury pool did not represent a fair cross-section of the community.

### 5. to arrange or deploy

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to place things or people in a specific order, especially for a battle or a display.

For teachers: to set in order or to marshal forces; often used in passive constructions regarding military or political positioning.

- The general arrayed his tanks along the border as a show of strength.
- The various political factions were arrayed against the new tax proposal, forming an unlikely alliance to block the legislation.

### 6. to dress up

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to dress someone in beautiful or expensive clothes.

For teachers: to clothe or attire someone in fine or decorative garments.

- The queen was arrayed in jewels and silk for the coronation.
- The bride was arrayed in a gown of antique lace, looking like a figure from a nineteenth-century portrait.

## Examples

- The shop offers a wide array of colorful summer dresses.
- The museum displays a vast array of ancient artifacts from the Mediterranean region.
- The software developer utilized a multidimensional array to store the complex data points required for the simulation's physics engine.

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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.