open arms

plural noun

: an eager or warm welcome
greeted them with open arms

Examples of open arms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The announcements have led to protests, lawsuits and, in certain cases, open arms. Alina Hartounian, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025 But on Sunday morning, a visitor took advantage of the church’s open arms – plowing his truck into an LDS chapel in Michigan, shooting worshippers with an assault weapon and setting the building on fire. Holly Yan, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025 The dedicated My Chemical Romance fans loved every second of the show, and welcomed their hometown heroes with their wide open arms. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 10 Aug. 2025 Democrats are welcoming the red-nosed fools with open arms. David Mastio, Twin Cities, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for open arms

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open arms was in 1670

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Cite this Entry

“Open arms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20arms. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

open arms

plural noun
: an eager or warm welcome
greeted us with open arms

More from Merriam-Webster on open arms

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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