architecture

noun

ar·​chi·​tec·​ture ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər 

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

Synonyms

• armature
• cadre
• configuration
• edifice
• fabric
• frame
• framework
• framing
• infrastructure
• shell
• skeleton
• structure

Examples of architecture in a Sentence

In college, he studied architecture.

The architecture of the building is modern.

Recent Examples on the Web

Related Articles The exhibition is the result of their constant exploration of photography, painting and architecture. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024

But agile, consolidated architectures can change that. —Rachel Curry, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024

Inspired by the popular Instagram account that touts more than two million followers, HGTV’s Zillow Gone Wild features the characters who have embraced non-traditional homes with their distinctive décor and imaginative architecture and shares the inventive ways to market a distinctive property. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024

The southernmost point in the continental United States also has incredible pastel architecture and historic sites to check out. —Sari Hitchins, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see architect

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing architecture

• Norman architecture

Kids Definition

architecture

noun

ar·​chi·​tec·​ture ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər 

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

ar·​chi·​tec·​ture ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər 

: 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

architectural

ˌär-kə-ˈtek-chə-rəl, -ˈtek-shrəl 

adjective

architecturally

-ē 

adverb