C2 verb #1,500 most common 2 min read

arrival

An arrival is the act of coming to a place or the moment someone or something gets there.

Explanation at your level:

An arrival is when you get to a place. If you go to school, your arrival is when you walk into the classroom. It is a simple word for 'getting there'.

When you travel, you check the arrival time of your train. It is the opposite of departure. We use it to talk about people or things appearing somewhere.

In business, we often discuss the arrival of new products. It means the products are now available. It is a formal way to say 'getting here' or 'showing up'.

The term is frequently used in logistics and travel. We often speak of 'expected arrival' or 'delayed arrival'. It carries a sense of anticipation.

In academic or professional contexts, arrival can signify a shift in the status quo. For example, 'the arrival of artificial intelligence' suggests a transformative event that alters the landscape of an industry.

Etymologically, arrival captures the human experience of transition. It is used in literary contexts to describe the culmination of a journey, whether physical or metaphorical, marking the end of a period of movement and the beginning of a new state of being.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Noun meaning reaching a destination.
  • Common in travel and business.
  • Opposite of departure.
  • Can refer to people or concepts.

Think of arrival as the finish line of a journey. Whether you are traveling across the world or just walking into a room, the moment you step through the door is your arrival.

Beyond just travel, we use this word for ideas or inventions. When a new technology hits the market, we call it the arrival of a new era. It implies that something was not there before, and now it is.

The word arrival comes from the Old French word ariver, which literally meant 'to come to the shore.' This makes sense because, historically, most major travel was done by boat.

It traces back to the Latin adripare, combining ad (to) and ripa (shore). It is fascinating how a word that started as a nautical term for landing a ship evolved into a general term for reaching any destination.

You will see arrival used constantly in airports, train stations, and hotels. It is a very neutral, standard noun.

Commonly, we pair it with verbs like announce or await. You might say 'We are awaiting the arrival of our guests.' It is formal enough for a business email but common enough for everyday conversation.

1. New arrival: Often used for a newborn baby. Example: 'They are celebrating the new arrival in the family.'

2. Arrival of the fittest: A play on evolution. Example: 'The startup's arrival was the arrival of the fittest in the tech market.'

3. Late arrival: Someone who shows up after the start. Example: 'The late arrival missed the opening speech.'

4. Safe arrival: Confirming someone reached their destination. Example: 'Please text me upon your safe arrival.'

5. Big arrival: A grand entrance. Example: 'The celebrity made a big arrival at the gala.'

Arrival is a countable noun. You can have one arrival or multiple arrivals. It is almost always preceded by an article like 'the' or 'an'.

Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈraɪ.vəl/. The stress is on the second syllable: a-RYE-vul. It rhymes with survival, revival, and arrival (itself).

Fun Fact

It was originally a nautical term.

Pronunciation Guide

UK əˈraɪ.vəl

Crisp 'r' and clear 'l' at the end.

US əˈraɪ.vəl

Slightly more relaxed vowels.

Common Errors

  • stressing the first syllable
  • swallowing the 'v'
  • mispronouncing the 'al'

Rhymes With

survival revival arrival deprival derival

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy

Writing 2/5

Moderate

Speaking 2/5

Moderate

Listening 1/5

Easy

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

arrive go come

Learn Next

departure destination journey

Advanced

emergence advent culmination

Grammar to Know

Noun usage

The arrival.

Article usage

An arrival.

Preposition usage

Upon arrival.

Examples by Level

1

The arrival is at 5 PM.

The time you get there.

Noun usage.

2

The arrival is soon.

3

We wait for the arrival.

4

The train arrival is late.

5

My arrival is today.

6

Check the arrival time.

7

The arrival was fast.

8

Happy arrival!

1

The arrival of the bus was delayed.

2

Check the arrival board.

3

He confirmed his arrival.

4

The arrival hall is busy.

5

We expect her arrival soon.

6

The arrival was smooth.

7

What is the arrival time?

8

The arrival of spring is nice.

1

The arrival of the package was confirmed.

2

We await the arrival of the CEO.

3

The arrival lounge is comfortable.

4

His arrival changed everything.

5

The arrival date is set.

6

Please notify us of your arrival.

7

The arrival of the storm was sudden.

8

She marked the arrival of the guests.

1

The arrival of new technology is disruptive.

2

We are monitoring the arrival of the shipment.

3

The arrival of the delegation was unexpected.

4

His arrival signaled a change in policy.

5

The arrival of winter brought snow.

6

They celebrated the arrival of the new year.

7

The arrival of the letter was a relief.

8

We prepared for the arrival of the visitors.

1

The arrival of the internet revolutionized communication.

2

The arrival of the artist marked a new era.

3

The arrival of the data changed our perspective.

4

We anticipated the arrival of the results.

5

The arrival of the critique was harsh.

6

The arrival of the policy caused debate.

7

His arrival on the scene was timely.

8

The arrival of the truth was inevitable.

1

The arrival of the Enlightenment reshaped philosophy.

2

The arrival of the settlers altered the ecosystem.

3

The arrival of the news sent shockwaves.

4

Her arrival in the city was a turning point.

5

The arrival of the dawn brought hope.

6

The arrival of the concept was profound.

7

The arrival of the era was marked by growth.

8

The arrival of the truth was silent.

Common Collocations

expected arrival
safe arrival
delayed arrival
arrival time
arrival hall
arrival date
sudden arrival
early arrival
late arrival
scheduled arrival
arrival gate

Idioms & Expressions

"new arrival"

a newborn baby

Congrats on the new arrival!

casual

""

""

""

""

""

Easily Confused

arrival vs Arrive

Verb vs Noun

Arrive is the action, arrival is the event.

I arrive (v) at my arrival (n).

arrival vs Departure

Antonym

Leaving vs reaching.

Arrival is coming, departure is going.

arrival vs Entry

Similar meaning

Entry is the act of going in.

Arrival is the destination, entry is the act.

arrival vs Appearance

Similar meaning

Appearance is visual.

Arrival is temporal.

Sentence Patterns

A1

The arrival of [noun]

The arrival of the train.

A2

Expected arrival is [time]

Expected arrival is 2 PM.

B1

Upon arrival, [action]

Upon arrival, call me.

B2

Await the arrival of

Await the arrival of the guest.

C1

Mark the arrival of

Mark the arrival of spring.

Word Family

Nouns

arrival the act of arriving

Verbs

arrive to reach a destination

Adjectives

arriving in the process of arriving

Related

arrive verb form

How to Use It

frequency

9/10

Formality Scale

formal neutral casual

Common Mistakes

arriving at the arrival waiting for the arrival
Redundant phrasing.
arrival to
arrival at
arrival in
arrived the place
arrival of time

Tips

💡

Memory Palace

Visualize an arrival gate at an airport.

💡

Native usage

Use it in travel contexts.

🌍

Cultural insight

Used for babies too.

💡

Grammar shortcut

Noun after 'the'.

💡

Say it right

Stress the middle.

💡

Avoid this

Don't say 'arriving of'.

💡

Did you know?

It means shore-reaching.

💡

Study smart

Pair with 'expected'.

💡

Context

Use for abstract concepts.

💡

Plural

Always use 'arrivals' for multiple.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

A-RIVER: You reach the river and then your arrival.

Visual Association

A plane landing at an airport.

Word Web

travel destination journey time

Challenge

Use the word in a sentence today.

Word Origin

Old French / Latin

Original meaning: to come to the shore

Cultural Context

None

Used heavily in travel and hospitality.

Arrival (film) Arrival (album)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel

  • arrival gate
  • arrival time
  • safe arrival

Business

  • arrival of goods
  • expected arrival
  • scheduled arrival

Social

  • new arrival
  • grand arrival
  • late arrival

History

  • arrival of settlers
  • arrival of an era
  • arrival of news

Conversation Starters

"What was your arrival time today?"

"Do you like the arrival of spring?"

"How do you feel about the arrival of new tech?"

"Have you ever had a late arrival?"

"What is the best arrival you have ever had?"

Journal Prompts

Describe your arrival at a new place.

Write about the arrival of a new season.

How does the arrival of new people change your life?

Reflect on the arrival of a significant idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

No, it is a noun. Arrive is the verb.

Use it to describe when something gets somewhere.

Yes, you can have many arrivals.

Departure.

Yes, the arrival of a new era.

It is neutral.

uh-RYE-vul.

Yes, arrivals.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

The ___ is at 5 PM.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: arrival

Arrival is the noun for reaching a place.

multiple choice A2

Which means reaching a place?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: arrival

Arrival means reaching.

true false B1

Arrival is a verb.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

Arrival is a noun.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

Synonym match.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Standard structure.

Score: /5

Related Content

More Travel words

connection

A1

A connection is when you change from one bus, train, or plane to another to continue your journey. It also refers to the relationship or link between two or more things.

insurance

A1

Insurance is a service you buy to protect yourself from losing money. You pay a small amount of money to a company, and they agree to pay for costs if you have an accident, get sick, or lose something.

castle

A1

A castle is a large, strong building built in the past by a ruler or important person to protect the people inside from attack. It usually has thick stone walls, high towers, and sometimes a water-filled ditch called a moat.

adventurer

B2

A person who enjoys taking risks and seeking out new, exciting, and often dangerous experiences or journeys. While it usually refers to travel and exploration, it can also describe someone who seeks financial or social advancement through bold or risky actions.

reservations

B1

Reservations are arrangements made in advance to secure a service, such as a seat on a plane, a room in a hotel, or a table at a restaurant. The term also refers to a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about a plan, idea, or person.

tour

A1

A journey for pleasure where you visit several different places or a short visit around a building to see it. It usually involves following a specific route and seeing important sights.

cash

A1

Money in the form of physical notes and coins, rather than electronic transfers or credit cards. It is the most direct form of currency used for immediate transactions, especially for small purchases.

station

A1

A station is a designated place where trains or buses regularly stop to allow passengers to get on or off. It can also refer to a building or facility used for a specific purpose, such as a police station or a radio station.

delay

A1

A situation where something happens later than planned or expected. It often refers to a period of time that you must wait because a train, plane, or event is not on time.

trip

A1

A trip is a journey to a place and back again, usually for pleasure or a specific purpose like work. It often implies a shorter duration than a 'journey'.

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