arched

American  

[ahrcht] / ɑrtʃt /

adjective

1. made, covered, or spanned with an arch or arches.

2. having the form of an arch.

3. Heraldry. noting an ordinary or partition line formed as a slight curve.

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arched British  

/ ɑːtʃt /

adjective

1. provided with or spanned by an arch or arches

2. shaped like an arch; curved

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Other Word Forms

• unarched
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of arched

First recorded in 1575–85; arch ¹ + -ed ³

Explanation

Something that's arched is curved or rounded. An arched doorway has a curve at the top, and an arched eyebrow is raised and curved in surprise or skepticism. You can use the adjective arched to describe architectural details like arched windows and ceilings: "The long, arched passageways gave the palace a certain elegance." A curving vine across a trellis is arched, and so is the curve at the bottom of your foot. The root of arched is the Old French arche, "arch of a bridge," from Latin arcus, "a bow."

Example Sentences

The old factory at 120 Jefferson Northeast, a sand-colored brick building with its distinctive arched entryway, had gone out of business, and quickly.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Neoclassical busts are cast in sand, marble and bronze and carved through with winding stairs, arched doors and regal columns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Researchers believe the crest was brightly colored during the dinosaur's lifetime and arched upward like a curved blade, likely serving as a dramatic display structure.

From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2026

The message came with a photo of Donaldson carrying his bride under an arched walkway, plus a few pics from along their happy courtship.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

It arched, then landed somewhere very far away.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

• curved
• domed
• rounded