arms
Britishplural noun
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weapons collectively See also small arms
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military exploits
prowess in arms
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the official heraldic symbols of a family, state, etc, including a shield with distinctive devices, and often supports, a crest, or other insignia
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to carry weapons
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to serve in the armed forces
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to have a coat of arms
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armed and prepared for war
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to stop fighting; surrender
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military
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a position of salute in which the rifle is brought up to a position vertically in line with the body, muzzle uppermost and trigger guard to the fore
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the command for this drill
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to prepare to fight
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arm yourselves!
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indignant; prepared to protest strongly
Etymology
Origin of arms
C13: from Old French armes, from Latin arma; see arm ²
Explanation
Arms are weapons. If a rebel group starts acquiring arms, it becomes a clear threat to its opponents. If you hear references on the news to "the arms race" or "arms exports," you know the subject is guns, bombs, bullets, and other weapons and ammunition. Any country with an army has some quantity of arms that can be used for self defense or military actions. In 1300, it was armes, "weapons of a warrior," from the Latin arma, "weapons," and also "tools of war."
Vocabulary lists containing arms
Unit 7, Week 1
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Vocabulary from Readings 3, Unit 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The “Whiplash” actor played along with the bit, turning around to face Spider-Man and waving his arms to express his displeasure.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
Waldorf and her husband recall him standing awkwardly at the foot of the bed as she looked at him with her arms crossed.
From Salon • May 27, 2026
It isn’t just baseball players with damaged arms who are benefiting from these medical developments.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
Even among "other species with short little arms and a single sucker row, its colouration and smooth skin on the back surface separate it", she added.
From Barron's • May 25, 2026
“You’re moving your arms too fast. Try to match my rhythm. Reach farther and pull longer!”
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
