architecture

[ahr-ki-tek-cher]

noun

1. the profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other artificial constructions and environments, usually with some regard to aesthetic effect. Architecture often includes design or selection of furnishings and decorations, supervision of construction work, and the examination, restoration, or remodeling of existing buildings.

2. the character or style of building.

   the architecture of Paris; Romanesque architecture.

3. the action or process of building; construction.

4. the result or product of architectural work, as a building.

5. buildings collectively.

6. Computers.,  a fundamental underlying design of computer hardware, software, or both.

7. the structure of anything.

   the architecture of a novel.

architecture

/ ˈɑːkɪˌtɛktʃə /

noun

1. the art and science of designing and superintending the erection of buildings and similar structures

2. a style of building or structure

   Gothic architecture

3. buildings or structures collectively

4. the structure or design of anything

   the architecture of the universe

5. the internal organization of a computer's components with particular reference to the way in which data is transmitted

6. the arrangement of the various devices in a complete computer system or network

Other Word Forms

• architectural adjective
• architecturally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of architecture¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Middle French, from Latin architectūra; architect, -ure

Example Sentences

Mr. van Pelt describes the crematoria and the whiteprint as “a nadir in the history of architecture.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The cross-shaped tower designed by Seattle architecture firm Mithun would include common courtyard and terrace areas oriented toward Levering Avenue, the study said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s so bright, that nearby walkways will glow red and green and twinkle along with the playful piece of mid-’60s architecture.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Our architecture students employ AI as a force multiplier, using it to understand how buildings are designed and respond to environmental pressure over time.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Dawn hasn’t even broken, but I can still see the thick trees, lively greenery, bold architecture, and bright billboards that line the roads.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• building 
• construction 
• engineering 
• planning