arts

British  

/ ɑːts /

plural noun

1. 1. imaginative, creative, and nonscientific branches of knowledge considered collectively, esp as studied academically

   2. ( as modifier )

      an arts degree

2. See fine art

3. cunning or crafty actions or plots; schemes

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Explanation

The arts are subjects that you study in school which have some artistic or social aspect, rather than being purely practical or job-related. If you major in English and minor in music, you're studying the arts. University subjects and separate colleges — and often even the degrees they award — are sometimes divided into arts and sciences. The arts include things like dance and photography, but also subjects such as Latin or religion. Sciences include, obviously, science, but also more professional and occupational studies. The root of arts is the Latin ars, "art."

Example Sentences

But Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, the chair of the Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee — which oversees rodeos — has yet to introduce the ordinance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

I took that work ethic to the California Institute of the Arts, where I majored in acting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

The news leg of the award series, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, honours the best in US news and documentary programming over the past 12 months.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

The Commission of Fine Arts was established by Congress in 1910 and is made up of architects and urban planners.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

The elevators in the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, touted as one of the wonders of the fair, still had not begun operation.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson