armload: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1 (Intermediate)Informal, descriptive; common in spoken and narrative written English.
Quick answer
What does “armload” mean?
An amount that can be carried in one or both arms at one time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An amount that can be carried in one or both arms at one time; a bundle or load held in the arms.
A loosely measured quantity or a large amount of something, often implying a somewhat cumbersome or heavy collection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. British English may have a slight preference for 'armful', but 'armload' is fully understood and used.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English. In British English, 'armful' is a common alternative of identical meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “armload” in a Sentence
[Subject] + carry/bring/hold + an armload + of + [Object][Subject] + appear/come in + with + an armload + of + [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'He brought an armload of new problems to the meeting.'
Academic
Very rare except in descriptive prose.
Everyday
Common for describing carrying tasks: groceries, laundry, firewood, books.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “armload”
- Using it for very small quantities. Incorrect: 'She brought an armload of keys.' Correct: 'She brought an armload of files.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are virtually synonyms. 'Armload' can slightly emphasise the weight or effort of carrying, while 'armful' is slightly more neutral. The difference is very subtle and they are often interchangeable.
No, it is not used for liquids. It is for solid, countable or bulk items that can be stacked or bundled in the arms (e.g., books, logs, clothes).
No, it is informal and descriptive. It is perfect for everyday conversation and narrative writing but would be replaced with more precise measures (e.g., 'a stack of files', 'ten kilograms of') in formal or technical contexts.
The standard plural is 'armloads'. Example: 'It took her three armloads to move all the towels from the dryer.'
An amount that can be carried in one or both arms at one time.
Armload: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːm.ləʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːrm.loʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'armload']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine your ARM getting a LOAD of books. Your arms are loaded.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS WEIGHT/BURDEN ('He was weighed down by an armload of responsibilities').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'armload'?