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Meaning & use

arching

adjective, verb, noun·Academic

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UK/ˈɑːtʃɪŋ/
US/ˈɑːrtʃɪŋ/

“arching” is a form of “arch”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a noun

    Forming a curve that rises and bends over, like the top of a bridge or doorway.

    Grammar: Goes before a noun: arching branches, an arching roof.

    Patterns

    • arching over something

    Arching trees formed a green tunnel over the lane.

    The bridge had a graceful arching span.

    We admired the arching ceiling of the old station.

  2. verbtransitive or intransitive

    The -ing form of arch: bending something, or being bent, into a curve.

    Grammar: Used in continuous forms and after nouns: the cat was arching its back.

    Patterns

    • arching your back
    • arching over something

    The cat was arching its back and hissing.

    The dancer finished by arching her spine backward.

    The rainbow was arching over the valley.

  3. nouncountable or uncountable

    The act or shape of forming an arch, or the curved structure itself.

    Grammar: Less common as a noun; usually describes a shape in a design or a movement.

    Patterns

    • the arching of something

    The arching of the vault gave the hall a feeling of height.

    Painters noted the arching of her eyebrow as a sign of doubt.

    Engineers calculated the arching of the span.

Common combinations

arching branches
Arching branches met above the path.
arching back
The cat stretched, arching its back.
arching eyebrow
He answered with an arching eyebrow.
arching bridge
An arching bridge crosses the river.
arching over
The willow was arching over the stream.

Synonyms and how they differ

curved
Curved is general for any bend, while arching describes a smooth bend that rises up and over.
vaulted
Vaulted is mostly used for ceilings and roofs that are built as arches, so it is more architectural.
bowed
Bowed means bent outward or downward under weight, and arching suggests a deliberate, rising curve.
domed
Domed suggests a rounded roof shape like half a sphere, whereas arching describes a curve in one direction.

Opposites

straightflat

Word family

arch noun
a curved structure that supports a bridge or opening
arch verb
to form or make a curve
archway noun
a passage or entrance under an arch
arched adjective
having a curved shape

Commonly confused: arching or arch?

arching vs arch

Arch can also be an adjective meaning playfully knowing, as in an arch smile; this is different from the physical curve meant by arching.

Practice

The ___ branches of the old oaks made a shady tunnel over the road.

Make it your own

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