arms

British  

/ ɑːmz /

plural noun

1. weapons collectively See also small arms

2. military exploits

   prowess in arms

3. the official heraldic symbols of a family, state, etc, including a shield with distinctive devices, and often supports, a crest, or other insignia

4. 1. to carry weapons

   2. to serve in the armed forces

   3. to have a coat of arms

5. armed and prepared for war

6. to stop fighting; surrender

7. military

   1. a position of salute in which the rifle is brought up to a position vertically in line with the body, muzzle uppermost and trigger guard to the fore

   2. the command for this drill

8. to prepare to fight

9. arm yourselves!

10. indignant; prepared to protest strongly

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Etymology

Origin of arms

C13: from Old French armes, from Latin arma; see _arm ²

Explanation

Arms are weapons. If a rebel group starts acquiring arms, it becomes a clear threat to its opponents. If you hear references on the news to "the arms race" or "arms exports," you know the subject is guns, bombs, bullets, and other weapons and ammunition. Any country with an army has some quantity of arms that can be used for self defense or military actions. In 1300, it was armes, "weapons of a warrior," from the Latin arma, "weapons," and also "tools of war."

Example Sentences

By generating interest and fee income, the services arms, which contributed approximately 40% of the company’s gross profit last fiscal year, represents an important source of cash-flow stability independent of the commodity price.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

He talked up a future where robots equipped with mechanical arms will navigate shopping malls, collect orders and meet human delivery drivers waiting outside.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

And hard for me to let them cry in my arms ...

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

McIlroy hugged his caddie Harry Diamond, looked to the sky and let out a roar as he raised him arms aloft - his sixth major title cementing his place as one of the sport's greats.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Karli and I put our arms around her to do our best to comfort her.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo