B2 noun Literary

arbour

/ˈɑːrbər/

A sheltered, shady place in a garden or park, typically formed by trees or climbing plants growing over a wooden frame. It is designed to provide a quiet area for sitting and relaxation away from direct sunlight.

Examples

3 of 5
1

We spent the hot afternoon reading books in the cool shade of the garden arbour.

We spent the hot afternoon reading books in the cool shade of the garden arbour.

2

The historic estate features a magnificent rose arbour that has been preserved since the Victorian era.

The historic estate features a magnificent rose arbour that has been preserved since the Victorian era.

3

Check out that vine-covered arbour in the backyard; it's the perfect spot for a nap.

Check out that vine-covered arbour in the backyard; it's the perfect spot for a nap.

Word Family

Noun
arbour
Adjective
arboured
Related
arboretum
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Arbor Day' (the tree-planting holiday) and imagine a 'Bower' of trees. Arbour = Arbor (trees) + Bower (shelter).

Quick Quiz

The couple shared a quiet moment under the ____, surrounded by blooming jasmine and climbing vines.

Correct!

The correct answer is: arbour

Examples

1

We spent the hot afternoon reading books in the cool shade of the garden arbour.

everyday

We spent the hot afternoon reading books in the cool shade of the garden arbour.

2

The historic estate features a magnificent rose arbour that has been preserved since the Victorian era.

formal

The historic estate features a magnificent rose arbour that has been preserved since the Victorian era.

3

Check out that vine-covered arbour in the backyard; it's the perfect spot for a nap.

informal

Check out that vine-covered arbour in the backyard; it's the perfect spot for a nap.

4

The structural design of the arbour illustrates the integration of organic flora with late 18th-century landscape architecture.

academic

The structural design of the arbour illustrates the integration of organic flora with late 18th-century landscape architecture.

5

The venue's primary selling point is the secluded arbour, which is marketed as an ideal location for wedding photography.

business

The venue's primary selling point is the secluded arbour, which is marketed as an ideal location for wedding photography.

Word Family

Noun
arbour
Adjective
arboured
Related
arboretum

Common Collocations

rose arbour rose arbour
shady arbour shady arbour
vine-covered arbour vine-covered arbour
garden arbour garden arbour
sit in an arbour sit in an arbour

Common Phrases

a leafy arbour

a leafy arbour

natural arbour

natural arbour

nestled in the arbour

nestled in the arbour

Often Confused With

arbour vs harbour

A harbour is a sheltered place for ships on the coast, whereas an arbour is a sheltered place in a garden.

arbour vs arbor

This is simply the American English spelling of the same word.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'arbour' is frequently used in literary or descriptive writing to evoke a romantic or peaceful atmosphere. In modern daily speech, people might use more specific terms like 'pergola' or 'gazebo', but 'arbour' specifically implies the presence of plants forming a roof.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell the word by adding an 'h' (harbour) or forget that it refers specifically to a plant-covered structure rather than just any garden shed.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Arbor Day' (the tree-planting holiday) and imagine a 'Bower' of trees. Arbour = Arbor (trees) + Bower (shelter).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'erbier', meaning a garden of herbs or a grassy spot, from the Latin 'herba'. Over time, the spelling was influenced by the Latin 'arbor' (tree).

Grammar Patterns

countable noun plural: arbours often modified by plant types (e.g., 'jasmine arbour')
🌍

Cultural Context

Arbours are a quintessential element of traditional English cottage gardens and were a popular setting for romantic encounters in 19th-century literature.

Quick Quiz

The couple shared a quiet moment under the ____, surrounded by blooming jasmine and climbing vines.

Correct!

The correct answer is: arbour

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