architect
AH-kih-tehkt
Architect (noun) means a professional who designs buildings and oversees their construction. Example: “We asked an architect to draw up plans for the extension at the back.”
noun
1
A professional who designs buildings and oversees their construction.
"We asked an architect to draw up plans for the extension at the back."
"The architect walked around the site, checking that the builders followed her drawings."
"Plato made the causes of things to be matter, ideas, and an efficient architect."
"The architect presented her plans for the new library."
2
A person who plans or is chiefly responsible for creating something significant, such as a policy or plan.
"The head teacher was the architect of the school's new reading programme."
"Many people call her the architect of the team's success this season."
"He is widely seen as the architect of the country's economic recovery."
How to use architect
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who designs buildings, or more broadly, the main person behind a plan or achievement.
Common pairings
building architect
architect of change
chief architect
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Word forms
- Plural
- architects
- Third person singular
- architects
- Past tense
- architected
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We asked an _____ to draw up plans for the extension at the back.
Etymology
From Greek arkhitekton, "master builder", from arkhi-, "chief", plus tekton, "builder".
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “architect” mean?
The word “architect” means a professional who designs buildings and oversees their construction. In plain terms, someone who designs buildings, or more broadly, the main person behind a plan or achievement.
How do you pronounce “architect”?
“Architect” is pronounced AH-kih-tehkt (/ˈɑɹ.kɪˌtɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “architect” in a sentence?
Here is “architect” used in a sentence: “The architect presented her plans for the new library.”
What is another word for “architect”?
Words with a similar meaning to “architect” include architector.
What part of speech is “architect”?
“Architect” is a noun.
Where does the word “architect” come from?
The word “architect” comes from Greek. From Greek arkhitekton, "master builder", from arkhi-, "chief", plus tekton, "builder".
Is “architect” a common word?
“Architect” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “architect” have?
“Architect” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a professional who designs buildings and oversees their construction.
What is the difference between an architect and an engineer?
An architect designs buildings — their form, layout, and appearance — and oversees their construction, while an engineer on a building project (typically a structural or civil engineer) ensures the design will stand, calculating loads, materials, and systems. The two professions usually work together on large buildings.
Can architect be used as a verb?
Dictionaries traditionally treat architect as a noun, and careful writers prefer design, plan, or devise. The verb use, as in "to architect a system," is common in software and business jargon, but many style guides still advise against it in formal writing.
What is the difference between an architect and a designer?
Architect is a specific professional title — in many countries a legally protected one — for someone qualified to design buildings and oversee their construction. Designer is a much broader word for anyone who plans how something will look or work, from graphics to furniture to interiors.
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