Armbands - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

worn on the upper arm

Armbands are bands of cloth that are worn around the upper arm, typically as a symbol of identification or mourning.

Synonyms

armlet, sleeve band.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
armbands	Used to signify mourning or solidarity, typically a black band worn around the upper arm. After the tragic event, the whole team wore black armbands to show their respect He wore an armband at the funeral
armlet	Refers to a piece of jewelry worn around the upper arm, often decorative and used in formal or traditional settings. She decorated her outfit with a golden armlet The historical figure in the painting wore a jeweled armlet
sleeve band	Generally refers to bands worn around the sleeves of a shirt, often for decorative purposes or to indicate rank or status. The officer's uniform was adorned with a gold sleeve band The traditional costume included an embroidered sleeve band

Word

Description / Examples

armbands

Used to signify mourning or solidarity, typically a black band worn around the upper arm.

After the tragic event, the whole team wore black armbands to show their respect
He wore an armband at the funeral

armlet

Refers to a piece of jewelry worn around the upper arm, often decorative and used in formal or traditional settings.

She decorated her outfit with a golden armlet
The historical figure in the painting wore a jeweled armlet

sleeve band

Generally refers to bands worn around the sleeves of a shirt, often for decorative purposes or to indicate rank or status.

The officer's uniform was adorned with a gold sleeve band
The traditional costume included an embroidered sleeve band

Examples of usage

During the race, all participants wore armbands with their race numbers.
The soldiers were required to wear armbands to distinguish themselves from the enemy.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Originally, armbands were used in ancient cultures to denote rank or status, often made from valuable materials.
During wars, armbands became symbols of allegiance, worn by soldiers and political groups to show loyalty.
In some cultures, armbands are worn to signify mourning or remembrance, particularly during funerals.

Sports

In modern sports, players wear armbands to indicate their team captain, showcasing leadership.
Colors of armbands in sports can convey various messages, like red for 'stop' in rugby or different colors for awareness campaigns.
Armbands can also be used by referees to denote different roles or authority levels during a match.

Pop Culture

In film, characters wearing armbands often symbolize defiance or identity, seen in movies like 'The Hunger Games'.
The use of armbands to convey messages became prominent in protests, notably in the 1960s and continues today.
Armbands frequently appear in music festivals, often serving as tickets or badges to identify attendees and their access levels.

Fashion

In fashion, armbands are sometimes used as a statement accessory, seen on runways and celebrity events.
Materials for fashionable armbands range from leather to fabric, allowing for personal expression and style.
Overlap exists between fitness and fashion as athleisure often incorporates stylish armbands for both function and trend.

Origin of 'armbands'

The history of armbands dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were used as symbols of status or allegiance. In more recent history, armbands have been used in various contexts such as sports events, military operations, and political movements.

Armbands Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations