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

SpaceX has been credited with helping revitalize Hawthorne, drawing in new restaurants, hotels and an arts complex, as local newspaper the Daily Breeze reported in 2017.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

He packed oversight commissions with appointees who would rubber-stamp his delusions of grandeur and did the same with the Kennedy Center, whose new board promptly renamed the performing arts venue for him.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

Equity is the performing arts and entertainment trade union which has about 50,000 members in the UK.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

“I didn’t want to hurt her — that’s just how mixed martial arts is.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

We ended up with only one class together, language arts.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence