Synonyms of architecture
1
: the art or science of building
specifically : the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones
2
a
: formation or construction resulting from or as if from a conscious act
the architecture of the garden
b
: a unifying or coherent form or structure
a novel that lacks architecture
3
: architectural product or work
buildings that comprise the architecture of the square
4
: a method or style of building
Gothic architecture
5
: the manner in which the components of a computer or computer system are organized and integrated
different program architectures

Examples of architecture in a Sentence

In college, he studied architecture. The architecture of the building is modern.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Graphic black touches throughout nod to Chelsea’s industrial-style architecture, while olive trees bring in a natural element. — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 This natural history is reflected in the city's grand cloak of Art Deco, neoclassical, and Romanesque architecture, the buildings' façades swathed in stone and iron detailing and girded by skeletons of steel. — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026 Soon it was revered for both its architecture and collections. — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026 The Sirena 42 features timeless exterior lines by Italian designer Luca Vallebona, stylish interiors by Milanese studio Hot Lab, and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for architecture

Word History

Etymology

see architect

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of architecture was in 1555

Cite this Entry

“Architecture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/architecture. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

architecture

noun
1
: the art or science of designing and building structures and especially ones that can be lived in
2
: architectural product or work
3
: a method or style of building
architectural
ˌär-kə-ˈtek-chə-rəl, 
-ˈtek-shrəl
adjective
architecturally
-ē
adverb

Medical Definition

architecture

noun
: the basic structural form especially of a bodily part or of a large molecule
the architecture and function of the cerebral cortex
the complex molecular architecture of muscle cells—Carolyn Cohen

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