architecture
AH-kih-tehk-chuh
Architecture (noun) means the art and practice of designing and constructing buildings. Example: “She studied architecture in Rome for five years.”
noun
1
The art and practice of designing and constructing buildings.
"She studied architecture in Rome for five years."
"Gothic architecture is known for its pointed arches and tall spires."
"The city is famous for its Victorian architecture and grand old stations."
2
The underlying structure or design of a system, especially in computing.
"The new chip uses a completely redesigned processor architecture."
"Good software architecture makes an app easier to update later."
"The architecture of the network lets thousands of users connect at once."
How to use architecture
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBuilding design, or (more broadly) how any complex system is structured.
Common pairings
modern architecture
system architecture
study architecture
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Word forms
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Etymology
Borrowed via French from Latin architectura, from Greek arkhitekton — "arkhi-" (chief) plus "tekton" (builder).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for architecture
See all rhymes for architecture →Frequently asked questions
What does “architecture” mean?
The word “architecture” means the art and practice of designing and constructing buildings. In plain terms, building design, or (more broadly) how any complex system is structured.
How do you pronounce “architecture”?
“Architecture” is pronounced AH-kih-tehk-chuh (/ˈɑɹ.kɪˌtɛk.t͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “architecture” in a sentence?
Here is “architecture” used in a sentence: “She studied architecture in Rome for five years.”
What part of speech is “architecture”?
“Architecture” is a noun.
Where does the word “architecture” come from?
The word “architecture” comes from Latin. Borrowed via French from Latin architectura, from Greek arkhitekton — "arkhi-" (chief) plus "tekton" (builder).
Is “architecture” a common word?
“Architecture” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “architecture” have?
“Architecture” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the art and practice of designing and constructing buildings.
What is the difference between architecture and engineering?
Architecture and engineering overlap but focus on different things. Architecture is chiefly concerned with the design of buildings: their appearance, layout, function, and how people experience the space. Engineering focuses on making the structure sound and safe, calculating loads, materials, and systems. On most projects the two disciplines work closely together.
What are the main types of architecture?
Architecture can be divided by purpose: residential, commercial, industrial, religious, and landscape architecture, among others. It's also grouped by historical style, such as Classical, Gothic, Baroque, Modernist, and Contemporary. Each style reflects the materials, technology, and values of its era, which is why buildings from different periods look so distinct.
Is architecture an art or a science?
Both. Architecture is often called the meeting point of art and science. It demands creative, artistic vision to shape beautiful, meaningful spaces, but also technical knowledge of materials, structure, safety, and building regulations. A successful building has to be as practical and durable as it is pleasing to look at.
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