Your arms are the two long parts of your body that are attached to your shoulders and thathave your hands at the end.
She stretched her arms out.
He had a large parcel under his left arm.
Synonyms: upper limb, limb, appendage More Synonyms of arm
2. countable noun
The arm of a piece of clothing is the part of it that covers your arm.
3. countable noun
The arm of a chair is the part on which you rest your arm when you are sitting down.
4. countable noun
An armof an object is a long thin part of it that sticks out from the main part.
...the lever arm of the machine. [+ of]
...the arms of the doctor's spectacles. [+ of]
5. countable noun
An armof land or water is a long thin area of it that is joined to a broader area.
At the end of the other arm of Cardigan Bay is Bardsey Island. [+ of]
Synonyms: inlet, bay, passage, entrance More Synonyms of arm
6. countable noun [usually singular]
An armof an organization is a section of it that operates in a particular country or that deals with a particular activity.
Millicom Holdings is the British arm of an American company. [+ of]
...the research arm of Congress.
Synonyms: branch, part, office, department More Synonyms of arm
7.
See arm in arm
8.
See an arm and a leg
9.
See at arm's length
10.
See keep sb at arm's length
11.
See as long as your arm
12.
See with open arms
13.
See to twist someone's arm
More Synonyms of arm
arm weapons
(ɑːʳm)
Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense arms, present participle arming, past tense, past participle armed
1. plural noun [oft NOUN noun]
Arms are weapons, especially bombs and guns.
[formal]
The group had extensive supplies of arms.
...arms control.
2. verb
If you arm someone with a weapon, you provide them with a weapon.
She'd been so terrified that she had armed herself with a loaded rifle. [VERB noun + with]
Arming the police doesn't deter crime. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: equip, provide, supply, outfit More Synonyms of arm
3. verb
If you arm someone with something that will be useful in a particular situation, you provide them with it.
If she armed herself with knowledge, she could handle anything. [VERB noun + with]
Armed only with a BBC microphone, I travelled across South Africa meeting writers. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: provide, prime, prepare, protect More Synonyms of arm
4. plural noun
The arms of a city or of a noble family are its coat of arms. Arms is often used in the names of British pubs.
...china painted with the arms of Philippe V.
...his local pub, the Abercorn Arms.
5. See also armed, -armed, coat of arms, comrade-in-arms, small arms
6.
See bear arms
7.
See lay down your arms
8.
See to take up arms
9.
See under arms
10.
See up in arms
arm in British English1
(ɑːm)
noun
1.
(in humans) either of the upper limbs from the shoulder to the wrist
▶ Related adjective: brachial
2.
the part of either of the upper limbs from the elbow to the wrist; forearm
3.
a.
the corresponding limb of any other vertebrate
b.
an armlike appendage of some invertebrates
4.
an object that covers or supports the human arm, esp the sleeve of a garment or the side of a chair, sofa, etc
5.
anything considered to resemble an arm in appearance, position, or function, esp something that branches out from a central support orlarger mass
an arm of the sea
the arm of a record player
6.
an administrative subdivision of an organization
an arm of the government
7.
power; authority
the arm of the law
8.
any of the specialist combatant sections of a military force, such as cavalry, infantry, etc
9. nautical yardarm
10. sport, especially ball games
ability to throw or pitch
he has a good arm
11. an arm and a leg
12. arm in arm
13. at arm's length
14. give one's right arm
15. in the arms of Morpheus
16. with open arms
verb
17. (transitive) archaic
to walk arm in arm with
Derived forms
armless (ˈarmless)
adjective
armlike (ˈarmˌlike)
adjective
Word origin
Old English; related to German Arm, Old Norse armr arm, Latin armus shoulder, Greek harmos joint
arm in British English2
(ɑːm)
verb(transitive)
1.
to equip with weapons as a preparation for war
2.
to provide (a person or thing) with something that strengthens, protects, or increases efficiency
he armed himself against the cold
3.
a.
to activate (a fuse) so that it will explode at the required time
b.
to prepare (an explosive device) for use by introducing a fuse or detonator
4. nautical
to pack arming into (a sounding lead)
noun
5. (usually plural)
a weapon, esp a firearm
Word origin
C14: (n) back formation from arms, from Old French armes, from Latin arma; (vb) from Old French armer to equip with arms, from Latin armāre, from arma arms, equipment
ARM in British English
abbreviation for
adjustable rate mortgage
Arm. in British English
abbreviation for
Armenia(n)
ARM in American English
adjustable-rate mortgage
arm in American English1
(ɑrm)
noun
1.
a.
an upper limb of the human body
b.
in anatomy, the part of the upper limb between the shoulder and the elbow
c.
in nontechnical use, the part of the upper limb between the shoulder and the wrist
2.
anything resembling this in structure or function
; esp.,
a.
the forelimb of some vertebrate animals
b.
any limb of an invertebrate animal
3.
anything commonly in contact with the human arm
; esp.,
a.
a sleeve of a garment
b.
a support for the arm on a chair, sofa, etc.
4.
anything thought of as armlike, esp. in being attached or connected to somethinglarger
an arm of the sea, a yardarm, the arm of a balance, an arm of the government, etc.
5.
power to seize, control, etc.
the long arm of the law
6. US, Baseball, American Football
ability to pitch or throw a ball
Idioms:
an arm and a leg
arm in arm
at arm's length
put the arm on
with open arms
Derived forms
armless (ˈarmless) (ɑrmlɪs)
adjective
armlike (ˈarmˌlike)
adjective
Word origin
ME < OE earm; akin to L armus, Goth arms, OHG arm: see UNRESOLVED CROSS REF
arm in American English2
(ɑrm)
noun
1.
any instrument used in fighting; weapon
usually used in pl. see also small arms
2. [pl.]
warfare; fighting
3. [pl.]
a.
coat of arms
b.
insignia of countries, corporations, etc.
4.
any combatant branch of the military forces
verb transitive
5.
to provide with weapons, tools, etc.
6.
to provide with something that protects or fortifies
7.
to prepare to attack or to meet attack
reporters armed with questions
8.
to make ready or equip with parts needed for operation
to arm a missile with a warhead
verb intransitive
9.
to equip oneself with weapons, as in preparing for war
10.
to prepare for any struggle
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈfurnish
Idioms:
bear arms
take up arms
to arms!
under arms
up in arms
Word origin
ME < OFr armes, pl. < L arma, implements, weapons; akin to armus, shoulder, upper arm (see UNRESOLVED CROSS REF): for semantic development see , sense arm1 (sense 3); (sense 4) a merging with (sense arm1 (sense 4))
ARM in Finance
(ɑrm) or adjustable rate mortgage
abbreviation
(Finance: Mortgage)
ARM is a type of mortgage where the interest rate may change according to changes in other rates.
The discounted introductory rate on an ARM linked to the one-year Treasury bill, a commonly used index, was 11.96 percent.
With an ARM, the interest rate can fluctuate based on a stated index during a stated time period,typically with a low initial rate.
ARM is a type of mortgage where the interest rate may change according to changes inother rates.
More idioms containing
arm
twist someone's arm
someone would give their right arm to do something
put the arm on someone
cost an arm and a leg
chance your arm
long as your arm
a shot in the arm
Examples of 'arm' in a sentence
arm
We could see the arms and legs.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
He has a record as long as your arm and almost invariably escapes meaningful punishment.
The Sun (2017)
They were not always best kept at arm's length.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This part of your arm?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She appeared to have been sawn into pieces, with her legs, arms and body stacked together.
The Sun (2016)
The only possible basis of serious arms control is equality.
Dyson, Freeman Infinite in All Directions (1989)
Your upper arm should stay in exactly the same position.
Sally Gunnell, Kathryn Leigh BE YOUR BEST: How Anyone can become Fit, Healthy and Confident (2002)
It often involves the arm or neck.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
She arrived armed with her family history and determined not to stand for any nonsense.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
To the other arm of the chair was fastened a beautiful book.
Susan Coolidge What Katy Did (1872)
So you could find that potential employers welcome you with open arms.
Shapiro, Jean Get the Best out of the Rest of Your Life (1990)
That way he will arrive armed with some knowledge and lots of relevant questions.
The Sun (2013)
Services charities say not enough is being spent on prosthetic legs and arms in some areas.
The Sun (2011)
The man could no longer lift either arm and could only sit helplessly.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss THE WOLF AND THE DOVE
Try to keep your body and your arms on the wall all the time.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Nor have any arms or explosives been found in the raids.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This is wrapped around the upper part of the arm above the elbow.
Shreeve, Dr Caroline M Lower Your Blood Pressure in 4 Easy Stages (1989)
You have to get the angle of the wrist and arm right.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It runs down the middle of the arm ending at the nail of the middle finger.
Lewith, George & Horn, Sandra Drug-Free Pain Relief (1987)
Hundreds of prisoners armed with makeshift weapons then barricaded themselves inside the block.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
That is why we are not afraid of the technical difficulties of arms control.
Dyson, Freeman Infinite in All Directions (1989)
Your upper arm should brush your ear.
Lycholat, Tony Shape Your Body, Shape Your Life (1987)
The five men were captured by 40 heavily armed militia wearing police commando uniforms.
The Sun (2007)
They got it and that allowed them to focus on keeping us at arm's length.
The Sun (2014)
The loss of territory brought a loss of funds, which made it harder to arm and equip itself.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
I was passive, my arms across my chest.
The Sun (2016)
In other languages
arm
British English: arm /ɑːm/ NOUN
Your arms are the two parts of your body between your shoulders and your hands.
She stretched her arms out.
American English: arm
Arabic: ذِرَاع
Brazilian Portuguese: braço
Chinese: 臂
Croatian: ruka
Czech: paže
Danish: arm
Dutch: arm
European Spanish: brazo
Finnish: käsivarsi
French: bras
German: Arm
Greek: βραχίονας
Italian: braccio
Japanese: 腕
Korean: 팔
Norwegian: arm
Polish: ramię
European Portuguese: braço
Romanian: braț
Russian: рука
Latin American Spanish: brazo
Swedish: arm kroppsdel
Thai: แขน
Turkish: kol
Ukrainian: рука
Vietnamese: cánh tay
All related terms of 'arm'
A-arm
An A-arm is part of a vehicle's suspension that consists of two rods in the shape of a letter A.
air arm
the aviation section of a national military force, including aircraft, base and support facilities , and personnel
dead arm
temporary loss of sensation in the arm, caused by a blow to a muscle
long arm
power, esp far-reaching power
robot arm
A robot arm is a type of robot consisting of parts linked together in the same way as those of a human arm, mounted on a stand .
rotor arm
the revolving arm of the distributor of an internal-combustion engine
round-arm
denoting or using bowling with the arm held more or less horizontal
side arm
any weapon carried on the person, by sling , belt , or holster , such as a sword , pistol , etc
small arm
a firearm designed to be held in one or both hands while being fired: in the U.S. the term is applied to weapons of a caliber of up to one in. (2.5 cm)
stiff arm
to push away (an opponent ) with one's arm out straight
sword arm
the arm in which your sword is normally held
tone arm
the light balanced arm of a record player that carries the wires from the cartridge to the preamplifier
upper arm
the part of the arm between the shoulder and the elbow
arm in arm
If two people are walking arm in arm , they are walking together with their arms linked.
arm-wrestle
(of two people) to sit facing each other with the elbows resting on a table and clasping hands with each other, each trying to force the other's arm flat onto the table while keeping his or her own elbow touching the table
loading arm
A loading arm is a flexible piping unit that loads and unloads liquids and gases.
rocker arm
a lever that rocks about a pivot , esp a lever in an internal-combustion engine that transmits the motion of a pushrod or cam to a valve
spiral arm
any of the elongated and curved spiral sections that are connected to the center of a spiral galaxy
strong-arm
If you refer to someone's behaviour as strong-arm tactics or methods , you disapprove of it because it consists of using threats or force in order to achieve something.
tremolo arm
a metal lever attached to the bridge of an electric guitar , used to vary the pitch of a played note
arm-twisting
persuasion
arm wrestling
a contest in which two people sit facing each other each with one elbow resting on a table, clasp hands , and each tries to force the other's arm flat onto the table while keeping his or her own elbow touching the table
steering arm
the part of a vehicle's chassis that directs the input from the steering box
straight-arm
(of a tackle ) performed with the arm fully extended
trailing arm
A trailing arm is part of the suspension for the axle of a vehicle which moves up and down as the vehicle travels over a bumpy surface.
arm's-length
lacking intimacy or friendliness, esp when possessing some special connection , such as previous closeness
pick-up arm
the light balanced arm of a record player that carries the wires from the cartridge to the preamplifier
rearm
If a country rearms or is rearmed , it starts to build up a new stock of military weapons.
Fleet Air Arm
the aviation branch of the Royal Navy
one-arm bandit
a fruit machine operated by pulling down a lever at one side
the upper arm
the part of the arm between the shoulder and the elbow
armrest
The armrests on a chair are the two pieces on either side that support your arms when you are sitting down.
at arm's length
If you hold something at arm's length , you hold it away from your body with your arm straight .
chance one's arm
to attempt to do something although the chance of success may be slight
chance your arm
to do something risky or adventurous in order to get something you want
long as your arm
very long
make a long arm
to reach out for something, as from a sitting position
put the arm on
to arrest or restrain
radial (arm) saw
a circular saw suspended from a pivoted horizontal arm along which it can be moved
shot in the arm
anything that regenerates , increases confidence or efficiency , etc
straight arm lift
a wrestling attack, in which a wrestler twists the opponent's arm against the joint and lifts him or her by it, often using the shoulder as a fulcrum
an arm and a leg
If you say that something costs an arm and a leg , you mean that it is very expensive .
arm's-length price
a price of a transaction agreed in accordance with market values, disregarding any connection such as common ownership of the companies involved
twist someone's arm
to try hard to persuade someone to do something
a shot in the arm
help and encouragement at a time when you badly need it
as long as your arm
If you say that a list is as long as your arm , you are emphasizing that it is very long.
give one's right arm
to be prepared to make any sacrifice
arm's-length agreement
a commercial transaction done in accordance with market values, disregarding any connection such as common ownership of the companies involved
arm's-length relationship
a relationship lacking intimacy or friendliness, esp when possessing some special connection , such as previous closeness
cost an arm and a leg
to cost a lot of money
Chinese translation of 'arm'
arm
(ɑːm)
n(c)
[of person]胳膊 (gēbo) (条(條), tiáo)
[of jacket, shirt etc]袖子 (xiùzi) (只, zhī)
[of chair]扶手 (fúshǒu) (个(個), gè)
[of organization etc]部门(門) (bùmén) (个(個), gè)
⇒ the political arm of the movement该运动的政治部门 (gāi yùndòng de zhèngzhì bùmén)
vt
[person, nation]武装(裝) (wǔzhuāng)
cpd
arms[dealer, trade]军(軍)火 (jūnhuǒ)
arm in arm臂挽臂地 (bì wǎn bì de)
to cost an arm and a leg (inf) 要价(價)过(過)高 (yàojià guò gāo)
at arm's length距离(離)一臂远(遠)的 (jùlí yī bì yuǎn de)
to keep sb at arm's length同某人保持一定距离(離) (tóng mǒurén bǎochí yīdìng jùlí)
to welcome sb/sth with open arms热(熱)烈欢(歡)迎某人/某事 (rèliè huānyíng mǒurén/mǒushì)
to twist sb's arm (inf) 对(對)某人施加压(壓)力 (duì mǒurén shījiā yālì)
a shot in the arm兴(興)奋(奮)剂(劑) (xīngfènjì)
Derived Forms
armsn pl (= weapons) 武器 (wǔqì)
All related terms of 'arm'
arm in arm
臂挽臂地 bì wǎn bì de
a shot in the arm
( fig ) 起鼓舞作用的事物 qǐ gǔwǔ zuòyòng de shìwù
to twist sb's arm
( inf ) 对(對)某人施加压(壓)力 duì mǒurén shījiā yālì
my leg/arm has gone dead
( numb ) 我的腿/胳膊麻了 wǒ de tuǐ/gēbo má le
she grabbed him by the arm
她抓住了他的胳膊 tā zhuāzhù le tāde gēbo
the crook of one's arm/leg
臂弯(彎)/膝弯(彎) bìwān/xīwān
to cost an arm and a leg
( inf ) 要价(價)过(過)高 yàojià guò gāo
to have one's arm in a sling
胳膊用悬(懸)带(帶)吊着(著) gēbo yòng xuándài diàozhe
to hook one's arm around sth
用胳膊钩(鉤)住某物 yòng gēbo gōuzhù mǒuwù
to pat sb on the head/arm
拍拍某人的头(頭)/胳膊 pāipāi mǒurén de tóu/gēbo
to be wounded in the leg/arm etc
腿部/手臂 等 受伤(傷) tuǐbù/shǒubì děng shòushāng
to have a pain in one's chest/arm
胸痛/胳膊疼 xiōng tòng/gēbo téng
she had her bag stolen/her arm broken
她的包被偷了/她的胳膊断(斷)了 tā de bāo bèi tōu le/tā de gēbo duàn le
to take sb's hand, take sb by the hand/arm
拉某人的手,牵(牽)某人的手/挽某人的胳膊 lā mǒurén de shǒu, qiān mǒurén de shǒu/wǎn mǒurén de gēbo
用某物戳某人(的胳膊/背部/眼睛) yòng mǒuwù chuō mǒurén de (gēbo/bèibù/yǎnjing)
1 (noun)
Definition
(in humans, apes, and monkeys) either of the upper limbs from the shoulder to the wrist
She stretched her arms out.
Synonyms
upper limb
limb
She stretched out her cramped limbs.
appendage
2 (noun)
Definition
the sleeve of a garment
I pulled the arm of her coat.
Synonyms
sleeve
3 (noun)
Definition
a subdivision or section of an organization
the research arm of Congress
Synonyms
branch
He had a fascination for submarines and joined this branch of the service.
part
He works in a different part of the company.
office
Downing Street's press office
department
He worked in the sales department.
division
the sales division
section
She was in the dairy section of the supermarket.
wing
the liberal wing of the Democratic party
sector
the nation's manufacturing sector
extension
the new extension to London's National Gallery
detachment
offshoot
subdivision
subsection
4 (noun)
Definition
power or authority
Local people say the long arm of the law was too heavy-handed.
Synonyms
authority
The judge has no authority to order a second trial.
might
The might of the army could prove a decisive factor.
force
He changed our world through the force of his ideas.
power
women who have reached positions of great power and influence
strength
He was surprised at the strength of his own feeling.
command
In 1942 he took command of 108 Squadron.
sway
How can mothers keep daughters under their sway?
potency
the extraordinary potency of his personality
5 (noun)
At the end of the other arm of Cardigan Bay is Bardsey Island.
Synonyms
inlet
a sheltered inlet
bay
a short ferry ride across the bay
passage
cells that line the air passages
entrance
He drove in through a side entrance.
creek
The offshore fishermen took shelter from the storm in a creek.
cove
the sandy cove at the north end of the beach
fjord
bight
ingress
sea loch (Scottish)
firth or frith (Scottish)
idioms
See an arm and a leg
See would give your right arm for something
related words
technical namebrachium
related adjectivebrachial
1 (verb)
She had armed herself with a weapon.
Synonyms
equip
The country did not have the funds to equip the reserve army properly.
provide
I will be happy to provide you with a copy of the report.
They did not provide any food.
supply
a pipeline which will supply the city with natural gas
outfit
Homes can be outfitted with security lights for a few hundred dollars.
rig
He had rigged the dinghy for a sail.
array
a priest arrayed in white vestments
furnish
Many proprietors try to furnish their hotels with antiques.
issue with
deck out
accoutre
2 (verb)
Definition
to provide (a person or thing) with something that strengthens, or protects
She armed herself with all the knowledge she could gather.
Synonyms
provide
prime
They were primed and ready to execute the plan.
prepare
I began to prepare myself for the worst.
protect
guard
strengthen
outfit
equip
brace
The lights showed the old timbers, used to brace the roof.
fortify
British soldiers working to fortify an airbase
forearm
make ready
gird your loins
jack up (New Zealand)
3 (verb)
Synonyms
mobilize
take up arms
prepare for war
muster forces
(plural noun)
The organization has an extensive supply of arms.
Synonyms
weapons
guns
firearms
weaponry
armaments
global efforts to reduce nuclear armaments
ordnance
munitions
the shortage of men and munitions
instruments of war
figurative note
The core meaning of arm is a limb of the human body from the shoulder to the hand. By extension, arm can mean any offshoot from a larger area, particularly when applied to bodies of water, e.g. an arm of the North Sea. This term is also used in organisations where arm refers to a specific branch or division of a larger whole, as in the manufacturing arm of the company. Arm has also come to mean `power' or `command', especially in the phrase the (long) arm of the law. It is thought that this phrase may derive from a proverb found from 16th century English: Kings have long arms, hands, many ears, and many eyes meaning that royal authority was far-reaching. Arms are seen as valuable commodities in the expressions (cost) an arm and a leg and (would) give one's right arm for something.