side arms: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/IntermediateFormal, Military, Technical, Sporting (baseball)
Quick answer
What does “side arms” mean?
Weapons carried at a person's side, typically firearms like pistols or revolvers, or small arms worn by soldiers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Weapons carried at a person's side, typically firearms like pistols or revolvers, or small arms worn by soldiers.
A term for personal, portable weapons intended for individual use, or in baseball, a pitcher's throwing arm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is less common in everyday speech and is primarily military/historical. In the US, it's more widely understood due to gun culture and is also used in baseball. Spelling as a single word ('sidearms') is slightly more common in US English.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term has strong connotations of military service, law enforcement, or historical re-enactment. It lacks the casual connotation of simply 'gun'.
Frequency
More frequent in US English across all contexts (military, civilian, sports). In UK English, 'handgun' or 'pistol' is more common for the weapon sense.
Grammar
How to Use “side arms” in a Sentence
[Person/Force] + carry/issue/be armed with + side arms[Pitcher] + throws/pitches + side armsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “side arms” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The officer was side-armed during the struggle. (rare, as verb)
American English
- The pitcher side-armed the ball to first for the out.
adverb
British English
- He threw the rock side-arm. (less common)
American English
- She pitches side-arm, which is unusual for a softball player.
adjective
British English
- He made a side-armed throw to the wicketkeeper. (cricket)
American English
- He is known for his side-arm pitching delivery.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in security company contracts ('providing personnel equipped with side arms').
Academic
Used in historical, military studies, or criminology papers discussing personal weaponry.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be used by enthusiasts, in historical films/books, or sports commentary (baseball).
Technical
Standard in military manuals, law enforcement protocols, and baseball coaching/analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “side arms”
- Using 'side arms' to refer to the biceps or physical arms. Confusing the spelling ('sidearms' vs 'side arms'). Using it as a singular noun ('a side arm' is possible but less common than the plural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'side arms' (two words) and 'sidearms' (one word) are acceptable. The two-word form is traditional for weapons; the single word is common for the baseball pitching style.
Primarily, yes (pistols, revolvers). Historically, it could include swords or daggers worn at the side. In modern baseball, it specifically refers to a throwing/pitching motion.
Side arms are smaller, designed to be carried and used with one hand (e.g., in a holster). Rifles are long guns, fired from the shoulder, with a longer barrel for greater accuracy at distance.
It would sound very formal or technical. In everyday talk about guns, people are more likely to say 'pistol', 'handgun', or just 'gun'. Use 'side arms' when precision or a formal/military tone is needed.
Weapons carried at a person's side, typically firearms like pistols or revolvers, or small arms worn by soldiers.
Side arms is usually formal, military, technical, sporting (baseball) in register.
Side arms: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd ˌɑːmz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd ˌɑːrmz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be issued side arms”
- “To go in armed only with side arms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a soldier: their main rifle is in their hands, but their SIDE ARMS (pistol) are literally on their SIDE.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY/READINESS (carrying side arms), SPECIALISATION (a side-arm pitcher uses a distinctive, non-standard motion).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'side arms' LEAST likely be used?