armrest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “armrest” mean?
A padded support for the arm, typically attached to a chair, sofa, or vehicle seat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A padded support for the arm, typically attached to a chair, sofa, or vehicle seat.
Any projecting support designed to rest the forearm or elbow; can also refer metaphorically to a position of comfort or support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use 'armrest'. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Associated with comfort, travel (planes, cars), and furniture.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “armrest” in a Sentence
The [chair] has an [adjective] armrest.He rested his [body part] on the armrest.Please stow the tray table and return the armrest to its upright position.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “armrest” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The seats in the new theatre are designed to armrest comfortably.
American English
- This model can be configured to armrest on either side.
adjective
British English
- The armrest adjustment is rather stiff.
American English
- We offer an armrest upgrade package.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of office furniture procurement or ergonomics.
Academic
Rare, may appear in design, engineering, or ergonomics papers.
Everyday
Very common when discussing furniture, vehicles, aeroplanes, and cinemas/theatres.
Technical
Used in furniture design, automotive and aerospace interior design, and ergonomic assessments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “armrest”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “armrest”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “armrest”
- Spelling as two words: 'arm rest' (acceptable but less common than the compound).
- Using 'armchair' to mean the armrest of a chair (an armchair is the whole chair).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one compound word: 'armrest'. Writing it as two words ('arm rest') is less frequent but not incorrect.
Rarely and informally. The standard use is as a noun. For the action, we say 'rest one's arm on the armrest'.
An armrest is a part of a chair, sofa, or seat designed to support the arm. An armchair is a complete chair with side supports for the arms.
Yes. Common types include fixed, adjustable (height, width, pivot), fold-up, flip-down, and centre armrests shared between seats.
A padded support for the arm, typically attached to a chair, sofa, or vehicle seat.
Armrest is usually neutral in register.
Armrest: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːm.rest/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːrm.rest/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The armrest diplomat (humorous, for someone who aggressively claims a shared armrest).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chair giving your ARM a place to REST.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS COMFORT; A BOUNDARY IS A DIVIDER (e.g., a shared armrest between seats).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common context for the word 'armrest'?