armrest

American  

[ahrm-rest] / ˈɑrmˌrɛst /

noun

• armrests
  plural

1. a projecting, often padded support for the forearm, as at the side of a chair or sofa or between seats in a theater, car, or airplane.

---

armrest British  

/ ˈɑːmˌrɛst /

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: arm.  the part of a chair, sofa, etc, that supports the arm

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• armrests
  plural

Etymology

Origin of armrest

First recorded in 1885–90; arm ¹ + rest ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

armrest armrests

Easy: Yesterday, I was not only gripping the armrest but gripping the hand of the flight attendant who was sitting down in the aisle, soothing me as I hyperventilated and wept.

From Slate ● May 10, 2026

The rear cabin matches the front in molded-leather magnificence, with two deep-seated, high-bolstered rear chairs cozied up between the wheel wells, sharing an armrest.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 18, 2026

Flight attendants are there primarily to ensure safety, Rosenberg said, not to referee social dynamics: “There should not be an expectation that flight attendants will settle armrest disputes.”

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 10, 2026

Lights down, armrest gripped, teeth clenched - just an average evening at the cinema for a horror film fan.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2025

To keep my hand from reaching out to brush the one he had put on the armrest of my seat.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken

"They need to have armrests and a backrest, there needs to be curvature to the seat, I like a bench to be made out of wood," explained Wilmot.

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

And then, just when you think the surprises have all played out: heated center console armrests.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

The deep, customizable couch features backrests and armrests you can mold with just a touch of your hand.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2025

Squish factor: When making the reservation, ask for a table with bench seating, as the chairs all have armrests.

From Salon ● Oct. 23, 2024

He gave his ear another couple of claps, then sat back, putting his arms up on both armrests.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger