armful

American  

[ahrm-fool] / ˈɑrmˌfʊl /

noun

plural

armfuls

1. as much as a person can hold or carry in an arm or both arms.

2. Informal. a girl or woman with a well-rounded figure.

3. Informal. an obstreperous child; handful.

---

armful British  

/ ˈɑːmfʊl /

noun

1. the amount that can be held by one or both arms

---

Spelling

See -ful.

Etymology

Origin of armful

First recorded in 1570–80; arm ¹ + -ful

Example Sentences

Some of my favorite soups begin as a loose armful of aromatics and whatever vegetables are lingering in the fridge.

From Salon

She said it louder than she meant to, and the man, returning with an armful of blankets, snorted.

From Literature

Groups of people stagger away from the waterfront holding armfuls of clothing, pushing prams piled with wireless sets, clocks, books, dolls.

From Literature

I snag an armful of graphic T-shirts and stuff them into the luggage.

From Literature

The woman scooped an armful of tutus from a bin and dumped them in Penelope’s arms.

From Literature