What does "arse" mean?
A person's buttocks; the bottom, the backside. Also: the anus; the rectum.
Arse
/ɑːs/ intj, noun, verb, slang
intj, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person's buttocks; the bottom, the backside. Also: the anus; the rectum.
- Grammar: arse is listed as intj, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: buttocks, posterior, prat, rear end.
- Useful contrasts: anterior, approval, be productive.
- Usage evidence: 'Cuz it's a giant pain in the arse, if I don't wanna do something I just won't do it.
How to use "arse"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "arse" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "arse" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "arse" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "arse" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "arse" is acting as intj, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "buttocks" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "arse", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person's buttocks; the bottom, the backside. Also: the anus; the rectum. Commonwealth, vulgar
"As the novel progresses, he is shot in the hand with his own gun, shot in the arse with someone else's and lacerated by a prosthetic weed trimmer."
- 2 Abbreviation of arylsulfatase E, an enzyme, deficiencies in which are associated with abnormalities in cartilage and bone development. abbreviation, alt-of
- 3 vulgar slang for anus wordnet
- 4 A stupid, pompous, arrogant, mean or despicable person. Commonwealth, Ireland, UK, derogatory, slang
"“You're an arse,” Ellen said. ¶ “Please? You must like something about me …?” ¶ “I do. You're an arse. I just told you that. I feel comfy with you, because you're such an arse.”"
- 5 the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on wordnet
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Used in similes to express something bad or unpleasant. slang, uncountable, vulgar
- 7 A person; the self; (reflexively) oneself or one's person, chiefly their body; (by extension) one's personal safety, or figuratively one's job, prospects, etc. countable, metonymically, slang, vulgar
Verb
- 1 To be silly, act stupid or mess around. Commonwealth, intransitive, slang
"Stop arsing around!"
Intj
- 1 An expression of frustration. Commonwealth
"(euphemistic)"
Example
"'Cuz it's a giant pain in the arse, if I don't wanna do something I just won't do it."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "arse"?
Common synonyms include: buttocks, posterior, prat, rear end, anus, arsehole.
How do you use "arse" in a sentence?
'Cuz it's a giant pain in the arse, if I don't wanna do something I just won't do it.
How do you pronounce "arse"?
Pronounced /ɑːs/.
Etymology
From Middle English ars, ers, from Old English ærs, ears, from Proto-West Germanic *ars, from Proto-Germanic *arsaz (compare Dutch aars and German Arsch), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁órsos (“backside, buttocks”).