triumphal arch
Americannoun
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a monumental archway, often erected in permanent materials as a commemorative structure, straddling the line of march of a victorious army during a triumphal procession.
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an architectural motif resembling in its composition an ancient Roman triumphal arch, having one high central archway flanked by side elements composed of lower arches, compartments, bas-reliefs, etc., the whole usually adorned by a huge order.
noun
Etymology
Origin of triumphal arch
First recorded in 1540–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Critics say the triumphal arch would block or disrupt the sightline of other historic monuments.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
They include the southern coastal city of Tyre, home to a Roman triumphal arch and a second-century hippodrome.
From Barron's ● Aug. 29, 2026
But it is not merely a triumphal arch.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026
Like the Arc de Triomphe, Trump’s proposed monument resembles the Arch of Titus, the oldest surviving triumphal arch in Rome, which is located near the Roman Forum.
From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2025
There was a general shout of outrage, and then we recommended the building of Leper’s triumphal arch around Brinker’s keystone.
From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.