Is 'armour' a countable or uncountable noun?

Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'made of armour'). It becomes countable in specific phrases like 'a suit of armour' or when referring to different types (e.g., 'medieval armours').

What is the main difference between British and American English for this word?

Only spelling: British English uses 'armour', American English uses 'armor'. Pronunciation and meaning are identical.

Can 'armour' be used as a verb?

Yes, though less common. It means 'to provide with protective covering' (e.g., 'The vehicles were armoured against gunfire') or metaphorically 'to mentally fortify'.

What does the idiom 'a chink in someone's armour' mean?

It means a small but critical weakness in someone's argument, character, or defences that can be exploited.

How do you pronounce “armour”?

Armour: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑː.mə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːr.mɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

armour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈɑː.mə(r)/US/ˈɑːr.mɚ/

Formal/Neutral; technical in military contexts; literary in metaphorical use.

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “armour” mean?

Protective covering made of metal or other strong material, worn in battle to defend the body from injury.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Protective covering made of metal or other strong material, worn in battle to defend the body from injury.

Any form of protective covering or layer (physical or metaphorical) used for defence; the military vehicles (e.g., tanks) collectively that are protected by such covering; heraldic insignia.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: British English uses 'armour'. American English uses 'armor'. The British spelling retains the 'u', consistent with 'colour', 'honour', etc.

Connotations

Identical in meaning and usage across both varieties; differences are purely orthographic.

Frequency

Both spellings are frequent in their respective dialects. The word is less common in everyday modern contexts outside historical, military, or metaphorical discussion.

Grammar

How to Use “armour” in a Sentence

[Verb] + armour: wear armour, don armour, clad in armour[Adjective] + armour: heavy armour, ceremonial armour, emotional armourarmour + [Noun]: armour plating, armour bearer, armour class

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

suit of armourheavy armourbody armourknights in armourarmour platingchink in one's armour

medium

medieval armourprotective armourwear armourarmour piercingpsychological armour

weak

ancient armourpolished armourstrong armourfull armour

Examples

Examples of “armour” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The vehicle was armoured to withstand explosions.
He armoured himself against the coming insults.

American English

The vehicle was armored to withstand explosions.
He armored himself against the coming insults.

adverb

British English

The knights were heavily armoured. (Note: 'armoured' is participle adjective, not a distinct adverb form)

American English

The knights were heavily armored. (Note: 'armored' is participle adjective, not a distinct adverb form)

adjective

British English

The armoured vehicle rumbled through the streets.
He felt an armoured detachment after the loss.

American English

The armored vehicle rumbled through the streets.
He felt an armored detachment after the loss.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The company's financial armour protected it during the recession.'

Academic

Used in historical, military, literary, and psychological studies (e.g., 'the knight's armour', 'emotional armour').

Everyday

Mostly historical (castles, museums) or metaphorical ('He put on his emotional armour'). Reference to 'body armour' in news contexts.

Technical

Military and engineering: 'reactive armour', 'armour-piercing round', 'vehicle armour'.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “armour”

Strong

plate carapace cuirass hauberkbulletproof vest

Neutral

protective coveringprotection defence mail panoply

Weak

shell shield covering guard

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “armour”

vulnerability exposureweak spotunprotectedness

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “armour”

*He wore an armour. (Use 'a suit of armour' or 'armour' uncountably: He wore armour.)
Misspelling 'armor' in British English contexts.
Confusing 'armour' (noun) with 'arm' (verb).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'made of armour'). It becomes countable in specific phrases like 'a suit of armour' or when referring to different types (e.g., 'medieval armours').
: Only spelling: British English uses 'armour', American English uses 'armor'. Pronunciation and meaning are identical.
: Yes, though less common. It means 'to provide with protective covering' (e.g., 'The vehicles were armoured against gunfire') or metaphorically 'to mentally fortify'.
: It means a small but critical weakness in someone's argument, character, or defences that can be exploited.
: Protective covering made of metal or other strong material, worn in battle to defend the body from injury.
: Armour is usually formal/neutral; technical in military contexts; literary in metaphorical use. in register.
: Armour: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑː.mə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːr.mɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“a chink in someone's armour”
“armour-plated”
“clad/iron in armour”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a knight in ARMOUR who says 'ARM OUR soldiers' before a battle – linking the protective gear to arming.

Conceptual Metaphor

DEFENCE IS A PHYSICAL COVERING / EMOTIONAL DETACHMENT IS ARMOUR (e.g., 'She put on her armour to face the criticism').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The medieval knight's was so heavy he needed help to mount his horse.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'armour' used metaphorically?