armrest

American  

[ahrm-rest] / ˈɑrmˌrɛst /

noun

1. a projecting, often padded support for the forearm, as at the side of a chair or sofa or between seats in a theater, car, or airplane.

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armrest British  

/ ˈɑːmˌrɛst /

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: arm.  the part of a chair, sofa, etc, that supports the arm

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Etymology

Origin of armrest

First recorded in 1885–90; arm ¹ + rest ¹

Example Sentences

Another gripe linked to the amount of space people have on planes is double armrest hogging.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2024

At every seat was a thoughtfully created armrest with a wide, flat surface that begged to have a pad balanced upon it.

From Salon • Aug. 31, 2024

“They’re in a full sweat and gripping the armrest and seatbelt tightened down as tight as it can go and, you know, the blank look on the face,” Tannehill said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2023

Barnor posed the three on Nkrumah’s couch — and then jumped into the frame, perching on an armrest, becoming part of a momentous history unfolding.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2023

She doesn't have her cane, and she grasps the armrest to balance herself against the sofa.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse