armband

American  

[ahrm-band] / ˈɑrmˌbænd /

noun

1. a fabric band worn around the upper arm as a badge or symbol; brassard.

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armband British  

/ ˈɑːmˌbænd /

noun

1. a band of material worn round the arm, such as one bearing an identifying mark, etc, or a black one indicating mourning

2. an inflatable buoyancy aid, worn on the upper arm of a person learning to swim

3. an elasticated band worn round the upper arm to keep the shirtsleeve in place

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Etymology

Origin of armband

First recorded in 1790–1800; arm ¹ + band ²

Example Sentences

He took the armband in the second half and showed his experience at international level.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

She also offered to let him wear a black armband while competing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

Athletes are permitted to express their views in press conferences and on social media, and the IOC had said on Tuesday it would allow Heraskevych to wear a plain black armband.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

The IOC said that it had tried to find a compromise, including offering Heraskevych the option of displaying his helmet immediately after the competition and wearing a black armband.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

I put my sweater on when I go into school, because I don’t want Principal Trask to see my armband before I even get to first period.

From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée