How to pronounce arch
Say it like ARCH. Arch is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce arch. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ARCH
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Arch pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ARCHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of arch
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AHCH.
What does arch mean?
- a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
- a curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially the inner sides of the feet)
- a passageway under a curved masonry construction“they built a triumphal arch to memorialize their victory”
- form an arch or curve“her back arches”“her hips curve nicely”
- (used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
- naughtily or annoyingly playful“teasing and worrying with impish laughter”“a wicked prank”
Where does arch come from?
From Middle English arch, arche, from Old French arche (“an arch”), a feminine form of arc, from Latin arcus (“a bow, arc, arch”).
Questions about saying arch
How do you pronounce arch?
Say ARCH. The American pronunciation is /ɑrtʃ/. In British English it is /ɑːtʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in arch?
Arch is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: ARCH.
Is arch pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɑːtʃ/ (AHCH).