Arms

/ɑːrmz/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The upper limb of a person, extending from the shoulder to the hand.

/ɑːrmz/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The upper limbs of a person

He raised his arms in victory.

💡 Simply: Your arm is the part of your body that connects your hand to your shoulder.

More Examples

2

The child clung to its mother's arms.

How It's Used

Anatomy

"He broke his arm in the accident."

Everyday Speech

"She held her baby in her arms."

2

Weaponry or military equipment, especially firearms.

/ɑːrmz/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

Weapons, especially firearms

Nuclear arms are a global concern.

💡 Simply: Arms are weapons like guns.

More Examples

2

They took up arms against the invaders.

How It's Used

Military

"The soldiers were armed with rifles."

Politics

"The country's arms industry is booming."

Tip:Think of a strong arm holding a weapon.

Idioms & expressions

up in arms

Angry and protesting.

"The community was up in arms over the new development."

From Old English *earm, related to Old High German *arm, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *armą.

The word 'arms' has long been associated with both weaponry and the human body, with its usage consistently appearing in both military and everyday contexts throughout history.

Memory tip

Think of 'arm' as the branch of a tree, extending out from the trunk (body).

armzarums

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written