armrest

American  

[ahrm-rest] / ˈɑrmˌrɛst /

noun

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.

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armrest British  

/ ˈɑːmˌrɛst /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of armrest

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

Example Sentences

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

And the previously published image with a young woman perched next to him on an armrest.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

He fluttered down to the armrest of the rocking chair and made himself as prim and still as he possibly could.

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill