armband

noun arm·band \ ˈärm-ˌband \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

Definition of armband

: a band worn around the arm; especially : a band worn around the arm for identification or in mourning

See armband defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of armband from the Web

Arsenal are even prepared to offer Ramsey the captain's armband in order to convince him to stay, with current captain Laurent Koscielny out for several more months at least after suffering an Achilles injury in May.

— SI.com, "Arsenal Star Could Be Forced to Sign New Contract or Leave the Club This Summer," 5 July 2018
Armed with armbands and a simple, short lease, handlers could be seen trotting to showcase the right pace for a dog's breed and build.

— matthew dolan, Detroit Free Press, "Prized pooches pampered, praised at Detroit Kennel Club annual show," 24 June 2018
Two of the men, wearing balaclavas and police armbands, ran inside, used a grinding machine to cut through the doors to the visiting area and, with Mr. Faïd in tow, raced back to the helicopter, Mr. Delabroye said.

— alissa j. rubin, New York Times, "In Hollywood-Style Jailbreak, French Convict Flees Prison," 1 July 2018
Tribute planned for Walter Bahr The Union will honor Walter Bahr on Saturday by wearing black armbands with his initials.

— jonathan tannenwald, Philly.com, "Haris Medunjanin suspended two extra games; Union to pay tribute to Walter Bahr," 20 June 2018
Registered participants each received a gym bag, infusion cup, lunch box, armband, water bottle, and towel.

— adrianne richardson, miamiherald, "Students get $1.000 scholarships from Commission for Women," 2 July 2018
Under Taliban rule in the late 1990s, they were told to identify themselves by wearing yellow armbands, but the dictate was not wholly enforced.

— rahim faiez, chicagotribune.com, "Suicide bomber targets Sikhs, Hindus in Afghanistan; 19 dead," 1 July 2018
During big political meetings or around the time of sensitive anniversaries large numbers of them stand on pavements wearing red hats and armbands (see picture).

— The Economist, "China wants eyes and ears on every street," 28 June 2018
The 34-year-old has worn the captain's armband and been a critical goal scorer for Portland since the club's inaugural season in 2013.

— jamie goldberg, OregonLive.com, "Portland Thorns midfielders Lindsey Horan, Christine Sinclair leading the way in the attack," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'armband.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of armband

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in the meaning defined above

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ARMBAND Defined for English Language Learners

armband

noun

Definition of armband for English Language Learners

: a band worn around the arm; especially : one that is worn around the upper part of a sleeve to show who you are or to show that you are in mourning