English Reference
noun · verb

arm

n. · v.
US /ˈɑɹm/ UK /ˈɑːm/ arm

  1. 01 A1 Beginner Anatomy

    n.the part of your body between your shoulder and your hand.

    n.the upper human limb, extending from the shoulder to the wrist.

    Simple

    He carried the heavy box under his left arm while opening the door.

    In context

    The athlete suffered a compound fracture to his lower arm during the final minutes of the championship match.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the part of a shirt or jacket that covers your arm.

    n.the portion of a garment that covers the wearer's arm.

    Simple

    The arms of his sweater were a bit too long for him.

    In context

    She rolled up the arms of her linen shirt before beginning the messy task of repainting the kitchen cabinets.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.a long part of an object that sticks out, like on a chair or a crane.

    n.a rigid projection extending from the main body of a structure or machine.

    Simple

    She rested her elbows on the arms of the wooden chair.

    In context

    The mechanical arm of the robot reached into the furnace to retrieve the molten glass sample.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a specific part or branch of a large organization.

    n.a functional division or branch of a larger administrative or corporate entity.

    Simple

    The research arm of the company is based in Switzerland.

    In context

    The charitable arm of the corporation donated millions to local schools to improve literacy rates in the region.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.weapons, especially those used by the military.

    n.instruments of offence or defence used in warfare. Usually plural.

    Simple

    The police were searching for illegal arms hidden in the warehouse.

    In context

    The treaty strictly prohibited the export of small arms to regions currently experiencing civil unrest.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the plural form 'arms' when referring to weapons.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to give weapons to a person or a group.

    v.to supply a person, group, or nation with weapons or armour.

    Simple

    The rebels were armed with modern rifles and grenades.

    In context

    The government decided to arm the local police force with non-lethal deterrents to manage the growing protests.

  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to make a tool or a security system ready to work.

    v.to activate a device or system, such as an alarm or explosive, so that it is ready for use.

    Simple

    Don't forget to arm the security alarm before you leave the house.

    In context

    The technician carefully armed the explosive charges once the site had been cleared of all personnel.

  8. 08 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to give someone the information or tools they need for a task.

    v.to furnish someone with the necessary knowledge, skills, or equipment for a specific purpose.

    Simple

    She went to the meeting armed with all the latest sales figures.

    In context

    Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the legal precedents, the lawyer felt confident in her ability to win the appeal.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated