arm meaning

arm as a noun

1. a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

   Type of: limb

   Related forms: armlet

2. any projection that is thought to resemble a human arm
   • the arm of the record player
   • an arm of the sea
   • a branch of the sewer

   Synonyms: branch, limb

   Type of: projection

3. any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
   • he was licensed to carry a weapon

   Synonyms: weapon, weapon system

   Type of: instrument

   Kinds: bow, bow and arrow, brass knucks, fire ship, flamethrower, gun, knife, light arm, missile, pike, projectile, slasher

4. the part of an armchair or sofa that supports the elbow and forearm of a seated person

   Type of: armrest

   Kinds: writing arm

5. a division of some larger or more complex organization
   • a branch of Congress
   • botany is a branch of biology
   • the Germanic branch of Indo-European languages

   Synonyms: branch, subdivision

   Type of: division

   Kinds: post office, executive branch, legislative branch, judicial branch

6. the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm

   Synonyms: sleeve

   Type of: cloth covering

   Kinds: dolman sleeve, long sleeve, raglan sleeve, shirtsleeve, short sleeve

arm as a verb

1. prepare oneself for a military confrontation
   • The U.S. is girding for a conflict in the Middle East
   • troops are building up on the Iraqi border

   Synonyms: build up, fortify, gird

   Opposite: disarm

   Kinds: rearm, forearm

   Related forms: armor, armament

2. supply with arms
   • The U.S. armed the freedom fighters in Afghanistan

   Type of: supply

   Kinds: munition, rearm

   Related forms: armament

How to pronounce arm

arm is pronounced /ɑːm/ in British English and /ɑrm/ in American English. It has 1 syllable.