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.

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armful British  

/ ˈɑːmfʊl /

noun

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

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Spelling

See -ful.

Etymology

Origin of armful

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

Explanation

When you have an armful of something, you have as much as you can carry in your arms. An armful of wildflowers is probably enough to fill up a vase or two when you get home. An armful is an inexact amount, but a good way to describe the quantity of anything you can carry held against your body by your arms, or resting on your arms themselves. You might lug an armful of packages into the post office or leave an orchard with an armful of apples. The word armful dates from the late 16th century, from arm and the suffix -ful, "full of."

Example Sentences

Or buying an armful of first editions of Denis’ work from Bonners Books.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2026

Pictures from the scene showed dozens of people stood outside the stationary train, along with rescuers in high-vis jackets - one carrying an armful of bottled water.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2025

At least one delivery person wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying an armful of bouquets sent from Jiangsu was stopped and questioned by two men in blue vests.

From Washington Times • Nov. 2, 2023

Either way, it is a fine showcase for Elba's magnetism and his ability to hold aching concern, regret, and wrathfulness in a single armful without breaking his stride.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2023

Renn emerged from the darkness, bearing an armful of leaves and bark.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver