noun
Common
array
uh-RAY
Array (noun) means a large, impressive, or organized collection of things. Example: “A dazzling array of colourful scarves hung from the market stall.”
noun
1
A large, impressive, or organized collection of things.
"A dazzling array of colourful scarves hung from the market stall."
"The buffet offered an array of desserts to choose from."
"The store displayed a whole array of smartphones on the counter."
2
In computing, a data structure that stores a set of elements, usually accessed by numbered position.
"To find the highest score, loop through each item in the array."
"You can change the third element of an array by using its index."
"The program stores each user's score in an array."
verb
1
To arrange or display things in order, or to dress someone elaborately.
"The host arrayed the fruit neatly on a large silver platter."
"She was arrayed in a long silk gown for the ceremony."
"Troops were arrayed along the ridge before the battle."
How to use array
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA wide, organized collection of things — or, in programming, a list-like structure for storing data.
Common pairings
array of options
wide array
array of colors
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Word forms
- Plural
- arrays
- Third person singular
- arrays
- Past tense
- arrayed
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A dazzling _____ of colourful scarves hung from the market stall.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman arraier ("to put in order"), tracing back to a Germanic word meaning "ready, prepared".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for array
See all rhymes for array →Frequently asked questions
What does “array” mean?
The word “array” means a large, impressive, or organized collection of things. In plain terms, a wide, organized collection of things — or, in programming, a list-like structure for storing data.
How do you pronounce “array”?
“Array” is pronounced uh-RAY (/əˈɹeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “array” in a sentence?
Here is “array” used in a sentence: “The buffet offered an array of desserts to choose from.”
What is the opposite of “array”?
The opposite of “array” — its antonyms — is disarray.
What part of speech is “array”?
Depending on how it is used, “array” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “array” come from?
The word “array” comes from Germanic. From Anglo-Norman arraier ("to put in order"), tracing back to a Germanic word meaning "ready, prepared".
Is “array” a common word?
“Array” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “array” have?
“Array” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, impressive, or organized collection of things.
What is the difference between an 'array' and a 'list'?
In everyday English an 'array' is a large or impressive collection arranged in an orderly way. In computing an 'array' is a data structure that stores elements accessed by numbered position, usually of fixed size, while a 'list' is often a more flexible structure that can grow or shrink. The right word depends on whether you mean general variety or a specific data type.
What is the difference between an 'array' and an 'arrangement'?
An 'array' emphasises a large, impressive, or organised collection of things on display. An 'arrangement' emphasises the way items are ordered or set out. An array is what you see; an arrangement is how it has been put together.
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