noun
armrest
ARM-rest
Armrest (noun) means the part of a chair or seat that supports a person's arm. Example: “She rested her elbow on the armrest during the flight.”
noun
1
The part of a chair or seat that supports a person's arm.
"She rested her elbow on the armrest during the flight."
"The armrest on the sofa was starting to fray."
"He folded down the armrest between the two seats."
How to use armrest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe bit of a chair or seat where you rest your arm.
When to use it
It's a neutral, everyday word with no formal or informal connotation.
Memory tip
Remember it's written as a single word in most modern usage: armrest, not arm rest.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
fold down the armrest
rest your elbow on the armrest
adjustable armrest
padded armrest
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She rested her elbow on the _____ during the flight.
Etymology
Armrest combines arm and rest, describing a support built to hold the arm.
Frequently asked questions
What is an armrest for?
It's the section of a chair, sofa or vehicle seat that gives your arm somewhere to rest.
Is "armrest" one word or two?
It's usually written as one word, armrest, though arm rest also appears as a variant spelling.
Do all chairs have armrests?
No, many chairs, especially dining chairs, are made without them.
What is the meaning of armrest?
"armrest" (noun) means the part of a chair or seat that supports a person's arm.
