An Encylopedia Britannica Company

arm

1 arm /ˈɑɚm/ noun
plural arms
1 arm
/ˈɑɚm/
noun
plural arms
Britannica Dictionary definition of ARM
[count]
: either one of the two long body parts that join the top of your body at the shoulder and that end at the hand or wrist
see picture at human
: the part of a piece of clothing (such as a shirt or coat) that covers the arm : sleeve
: a part of a piece of furniture (such as a chair or couch) that gives support for a person's arm see also 1armchair
: a long thin piece that is connected to the main part of a machine, structure, etc., and that looks or moves like a human arm
: a long and narrow area of water
: the part of a group or organization that performs a specific job or function usually singular
US, sports : a person's ability to throw a ball usually singular

an arm and a leg

informal
: a very large amount of money

arm in arm

: next to each other with the arm of one person linked at the elbow to the arm of another person

a shot in the arm

see 1shot

as long as someone's arm

see 1long

at arm's length

: from a distance that is the length of a person's arm
◊ To keep someone or something at arm's length is to avoid being very close to or friendly with someone or something.

chance your arm

see 2chance

give your right arm

see 1give

the long arm of the law

: the ability of the police to find and catch people who commit crimes

twist someone's arm

see 1twist

with open arms

: in a very kind and friendly way
compare 2arm
2 arm /ˈɑɚm/ noun
plural arms
2 arm
/ˈɑɚm/
noun
plural arms
Britannica Dictionary definition of ARM
[count] : a gun or other weapon that is used especially in a war usually plural
often used before another noun
see also arms race, firearm, small arms

call to arms

◊ A call to arms is a request or command to become ready to fight.
◊ The phrase is also used for something that tries to make people fight for a cause.

in arms

◊ If someone is your brother/sister/comrade in arms, that person has helped you fight an enemy especially in a war.

lay down your arms

: to put down your weapons and stop fighting

present arms

military
used as a command to hold your rifle so that it points straight up in front of you as a sign of respect

take up arms

: to pick up weapons and become ready to fight

under arms

: serving in the military

up in arms

: angry and ready to fight or argue
compare 1arm
3 arm /ˈɑɚm/ verb
arms; armed; arming
3 arm
/ˈɑɚm/
verb
arms; armed; arming
Britannica Dictionary definition of ARM
: to provide (yourself, a group, a country, etc.) with weapons especially in order to fight a war or battle
[+ object]
often + with
[no object]
opposite disarm; see also 1armed, unarmed
[+ object] : to provide (someone) with a way of fighting, competing, or succeeding
[+ object] : to make (a bomb, weapon, etc.) ready for use
opposite disarm