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

"The world needs diverse voices ... and so, every background should be able to talk about how they feel about the world using the arts," he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Strategic marketing, like premiering the show after the NFL Wild Card Game, allowed the reboot to build an audience of regular viewers, said Jennifer Hessler, a professor of cinematic arts at USC.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Reorganization is seen for legal services, accountants, financial analysts and technical writers, while those in software engineering, graphic design and creative arts could grow with AI.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

It educates us in many arcane worlds of arts and crafts, quilts, chairs, pickle crocks and other items whose value really can be in the eye of the beholder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Most importantly perhaps, how can I incorporate music into a curriculum that marginalizes the arts?

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin