armful

American  

[ahrm-fool] / ˈɑrmˌfʊl /

noun

plural

armfuls

1. as much as a person can hold or carry in an arm or both arms.

2. Informal. a girl or woman with a well-rounded figure.

3. Informal. an obstreperous child; handful.

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armful British  

/ ˈɑːmfʊl /

noun

1. the amount that can be held by one or both arms

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Spelling

See -ful.

Etymology

Origin of armful

First recorded in 1570–80; arm ¹ + -ful

Explanation

When you have an armful of something, you have as much as you can carry in your arms. An armful of wildflowers is probably enough to fill up a vase or two when you get home. An armful is an inexact amount, but a good way to describe the quantity of anything you can carry held against your body by your arms, or resting on your arms themselves. You might lug an armful of packages into the post office or leave an orchard with an armful of apples. The word armful dates from the late 16th century, from arm and the suffix -ful, "full of."

Example Sentences

Some of my favorite soups begin as a loose armful of aromatics and whatever vegetables are lingering in the fridge.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

Or buying an armful of first editions of Denis’ work from Bonners Books.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2026

Double bonus points if you have an armful of the things.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2024

At least one delivery person wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying an armful of bouquets sent from Jiangsu was stopped and questioned by two men in blue vests.

From Washington Times • Nov. 2, 2023

She put her armful of supplies into an enormous red wagon that sat in the middle of the shop.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles