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

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

The club's ultras - long-time critics of the association with BlueCo - demanded he hand back the captain's armband.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Coach West claps for us when we’re marching and waves at me, and that’s when I see she is wearing a black armband too.

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