a monumental archway, often erected in permanent materials as a commemorative structure, straddling the line of march of a victorious army during a triumphal procession
2.
an architectural motif resembling in its composition an ancient Roman triumphal arch, having one high central archway flanked by side elements composed of lower arches, compartments, bas-reliefs, etc., the whole usually adorned by a huge order
Word origin
[1540–50]This word is first recorded in the period 1540–50. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: cabinet, gondola, horizon, platform, vacuum
Examples of 'triumphal arch' in a sentence
triumphal arch
Today all that remains of the triumphal arch that greeted visitors to Roman Britain are its foundations.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In the ruins of the Roman forum, a giant triumphal arch still bears his name.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
A traditional triumphal arch at this point would look awkwardly out of place and diminish the grandeur of the view beyond.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
A young, ragged man in a trilby tinkles on the piano that sits between the central fountain and the white triumphal arch.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
Triumphal arches and vast cheering crowds marked every stage of his progress.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Now he is being built into triumphal arches all over the field, and there is littlelikelihood of dodging them.