arms

British  

/ ɑːmz /

plural noun

1. weapons collectively See also small arms

2. military exploits

   prowess in arms

3. the official heraldic symbols of a family, state, etc, including a shield with distinctive devices, and often supports, a crest, or other insignia

4. 1. to carry weapons

   2. to serve in the armed forces

   3. to have a coat of arms

5. armed and prepared for war

6. to stop fighting; surrender

7. military

   1. a position of salute in which the rifle is brought up to a position vertically in line with the body, muzzle uppermost and trigger guard to the fore

   2. the command for this drill

8. to prepare to fight

9. arm yourselves!

10. indignant; prepared to protest strongly

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Etymology

Origin of arms

C13: from Old French armes, from Latin arma; see _arm ²

Explanation

Arms are weapons. If a rebel group starts acquiring arms, it becomes a clear threat to its opponents. If you hear references on the news to "the arms race" or "arms exports," you know the subject is guns, bombs, bullets, and other weapons and ammunition. Any country with an army has some quantity of arms that can be used for self defense or military actions. In 1300, it was armes, "weapons of a warrior," from the Latin arma, "weapons," and also "tools of war."

Example Sentences

“I spoke to the client about it,” the intelligence operation’s manager is heard saying in an Aug. 5 recording, “and they weren’t surprised that it had leaked that they were wrapping their arms around him.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

In a sprawling office in Hefei, the eastern Chinese electric vehicle hub, hundreds of employees and several robotic arms sat refining software developed jointly by German behemoth Volkswagen and Chinese EV maker XPeng.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

In less than five months, Sandee Althouse has covered her arms in micro-realist art.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Subsequent sales and patrons have enabled the artist to invest in robotic welding arms, 3-D printers and other fabricating technology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Torak felt the hairs on his arms rise.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver