noun
Very common
arms
ahmz
Arms (noun) means Weapons, especially firearms, considered collectively. Example: “The museum has a display of ancient arms, including swords, spears and early muskets.”
noun
1
Weapons, especially firearms, considered collectively.
"The museum has a display of ancient arms, including swords, spears and early muskets."
"The treaty limited the number of arms each country could stockpile."
"Rebel forces were caught smuggling arms across the border."
2
A heraldic emblem or design, traditionally displayed on a shield or crest to represent a family, institution, or nation.
"The old family arms were carved above the fireplace in the great hall."
"Our town's arms show a tree, a river and a golden crown."
"The university's coat of arms features a lion and an open book."
How to use arms
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWeapons in general, or (in heraldry) a family or institutional emblem — "coat of arms".
Common mistake
In this sense "arms" is always plural and refers to weapons — don't confuse with the plural of the body part "arm".
Common pairings
bear arms
call to arms
coat of arms
arms race
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The museum has a display of ancient _____, including swords, spears and early muskets.
Etymology
From Old French armes, from Latin arma ("weapons, tools").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for arms
See all rhymes for arms →Frequently asked questions
What does “arms” mean?
The word “arms” means weapons, especially firearms, considered collectively. In plain terms, weapons in general, or (in heraldry) a family or institutional emblem — "coat of arms".
How do you pronounce “arms”?
“Arms” is pronounced ahmz (/ɑɹmz/ in IPA).
How do you use “arms” in a sentence?
Here is “arms” used in a sentence: “The treaty limited the number of arms each country could stockpile.”
What part of speech is “arms”?
“Arms” is a noun.
Where does the word “arms” come from?
The word “arms” comes from Latin. From Old French armes, from Latin arma ("weapons, tools").
Is “arms” a common word?
“Arms” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “arms” have?
“Arms” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: weapons, especially firearms, considered collectively.
What is the difference between 'arms' and 'weapons'?
The two are close synonyms. Arms is the more formal, collective term, common in set phrases like the arms trade, arms race, or the right to bear arms. Weapons is the everyday, general word for individual instruments of harm. All arms are weapons; arms simply sounds more official or historical.
What does 'to bear arms' mean?
To bear arms means to carry, own, or be equipped with weapons, especially for military service or self-defence. It is an old, formal phrase best known from legal and constitutional language. Here 'bear' means to carry, and 'arms' means weapons — so together, to be armed.
Does 'arms' mean weapons or parts of the body?
It can mean either — they are two separate words that happen to be spelled the same. In this sense, arms means weapons, as in the armed forces. The other, unrelated meaning is the limbs attached to your shoulders. Context almost always makes clear which one is intended.
What is a 'coat of arms'?
A coat of arms is a different sense of the word: a heraldic design of shields, symbols, and colours that identifies a family, city, or institution. Despite the name it has nothing to do with weapons or limbs — 'arms' here refers to the old heraldic bearings displayed on a shield.
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