arms

British  

/ ɑːmz /

plural noun

1. weapons collectively See also small arms

2. military exploits

   prowess in arms

3. the official heraldic symbols of a family, state, etc, including a shield with distinctive devices, and often supports, a crest, or other insignia

4. 1. to carry weapons

   2. to serve in the armed forces

   3. to have a coat of arms

5. armed and prepared for war

6. to stop fighting; surrender

7. military

   1. 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

   2. the command for this drill

8. to prepare to fight

9. arm yourselves!

10. indignant; prepared to protest strongly

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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."

Example Sentences

Arms researchers shown images and videos of the smaller drone’s components say its fuselage has been copied by dozens of Chinese companies even now selling similar models on China’s equivalent of Amazon, AliExpress.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

Firefighters are tackling a fire at the former Antrim Arms hotel in Ballycastle.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Arms startups are getting in on the action.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

When the Arms Index rises during a rally, it generally doesn’t inspire confidence that gains are being built on solid footing, said Ben Kizemchuk, a senior investment adviser and portfolio manager at Wellington-Altus in Toronto.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Arms folded, he stood there watching his men pick up the last of the coins.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke