- present tense form of arm (3rd person singular).
arms
Britishplural noun
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weapons collectively See also small arms
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military exploits
prowess in arms
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the official heraldic symbols of a family, state, etc, including a shield with distinctive devices, and often supports, a crest, or other insignia
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to carry weapons
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to serve in the armed forces
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to have a coat of arms
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armed and prepared for war
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to stop fighting; surrender
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military
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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
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the command for this drill
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to prepare to fight
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arm yourselves!
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indignant; prepared to protest strongly
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."
Vocabulary lists containing arms
Unit 7, Week 1
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Vocabulary from Readings 3, Unit 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She slumps over a cloth in the arms of a caretaker with her eyes closed, but rouses when another person brings her what appears to be raw meat.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
Langton was seen to be conscious and moving his legs and arms before leaving the arena floor, while team officials later said he was moving and speaking to doctors.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
Nevertheless, Europe is benefiting from a flicker of activity in the defence sector, notably with the stock market debut in Amsterdam of Czech arms giant CSG, at $4.47 billion, the third-largest deal worldwide since January.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
If it does make a bomb, a regional arms race could ensue.
From Slate ● Jul. 23, 2026
Trembling, I throw my arms about Caesar and press my face against his chest.
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
