armband

American  

[ahrm-band] / ˈɑrmˌbænd /

noun

1. a fabric band worn around the upper arm as a badge or symbol; brassard.

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armband British  

/ ˈɑːmˌbænd /

noun

1. a band of material worn round the arm, such as one bearing an identifying mark, etc, or a black one indicating mourning

2. an inflatable buoyancy aid, worn on the upper arm of a person learning to swim

3. an elasticated band worn round the upper arm to keep the shirtsleeve in place

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Etymology

Origin of armband

First recorded in 1790–1800; arm ¹ + band ²

Example Sentences

The 19-year-old was even symbolically handed the captain's armband by team-mate Kieran Trippier in Newcastle's win against PSV Eindhoven a few weeks ago.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

She also offered to let him wear a black armband while competing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

The IOC had said Heraskevych could instead wear a black armband, but the 27-year-old insisted on competing in his helmet adorned with portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

The IOC said that it had tried to find a compromise, including offering Heraskevych the option of displaying his helmet immediately after the competition and wearing a black armband.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

And Principal Trask making it seem like Bernard’s armband had something to do with the situation with Alex was pretty awful.

From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée