Meaning & use
armbands
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“armbands” is a form of “armband”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Inflatable plastic bands worn on the upper arms to help someone float while learning to swim.
Grammar: Used in the plural for a pair: a child wears armbands. Not used with 'a' in this sense.
Patterns
- wear armbands
- put on armbands
- swim with armbands
The little girl wore bright pink armbands in the pool.
He is not a strong swimmer yet, so he still uses armbands.
Before you jump in, make sure your armbands are inflated properly.
nounplural
Bands of fabric or plastic worn around the arm, often to show identity, rank, or mourning.
Grammar: Plural of 'armband'; can refer to more than one band, or to a pair.
Patterns
- wear an armband
- black armbands
- mourning armbands
The players wore black armbands as a mark of respect.
Security staff had yellow armbands so they were easy to see.
Protesters put on armbands with political slogans.
nounplural
A device worn on the arm to hold a phone or music player while exercising.
Grammar: Usually plural when referring to a pair, but often singular when talking about one device.
Patterns
- phone armbands
- wear an armband
- armbands for running
She bought new armbands for her phone so she could listen to music while jogging.
These armbands are designed to keep your device secure during a workout.
He forgot his armbands and had to carry his phone in his hand.
Word forms
| singular | armband |
|---|
Common combinations
- wear armbands
- Children must wear armbands in the shallow end of the pool.
- black armbands
- The team wore black armbands after the death of their coach.
- inflatable armbands
- Inflatable armbands are a common swimming aid for beginners.
- armbands for swimming
- You can buy armbands for swimming at the pool shop.
Synonyms and how they differ
- water wings
- Water wings are similar inflatable swimming aids, but they are worn on the upper arms or across the chest; 'armbands' is the more common British term.
- floaties
- Floaties is an informal American word for inflatable swimming aids, including armbands; it can also refer to other types of floats.
Word family
- armband noun
- A single band worn on the arm.
Commonly confused: armbands or bracelet?
armbands vs bracelet
A bracelet is worn on the wrist, not the arm; armbands are worn on the upper arm.
Practice
What are 'armbands' most commonly used for?
Choose one answer.
Armbands are inflatable bands worn on the arms to help someone float, especially when learning to swim. Option 0 describes a swimming cap; option 2 describes knee pads; option 3 describes a backpack.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “armbands”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.