arbor

1 of 3

noun (1)

ar·​bor ˈär-bər How to pronounce arbor (audio)
: a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines

Illustration of arbor

Illustration of arbor
  • 1arbor

arbor

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
: a spindle or axle of a wheel
2
: a main shaft or beam
3
: a shaft on which a revolving cutting tool is mounted
4
: a spindle on a cutting machine that holds the work to be cut

arbor-

3 of 3

combining form

variants or arbori-
: tree
arboriculture

Examples of arbor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Unlike shrub roses, these plants require some extra support from trellises, fences, or arbors. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025 Amazon has an arbor set that comes with artificial white flowers and drapery to put over the arch. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025 Wisteria should be pruned regularly and is better suited for growing on a strong arbor or trellis. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2025 Outside, the ocean-facing pool and spa are surrounded by a stone patio, a fire pit, a bocce ball court, a chicken coop, and a lemon arbor. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for arbor

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English erber, herber garden, from Anglo-French, from herbe herb, grass

Noun (2)

Latin, tree, shaft

Combining form

Latin arbor

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of arbor was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arbor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arbor. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

arbor

noun
ar·​bor
ˈär-bər
: a shelter of vines or branches or a structure of crossed wood or metal strips covered with climbing shrubs or vines

Medical Definition

arbor

noun
ar·​bor ˈär-bər How to pronounce arbor (audio)
: a branching anatomical structure resembling a tree

More from Merriam-Webster on arbor

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