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triumphal arch

American  

noun

  1. 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.

  2. 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.


triumphal arch British  

noun

  1. an arch built to commemorate a victory

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

See Examples For:

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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