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

Another gripe linked to the amount of space people have on planes is double armrest hogging.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2024

Toby gunned the engine, faster and faster down the interstate until he whipped around a subtle curve and Lily grabbed the armrest with a quick, barely audible yelp.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss