An armband is a band of fabric that you wear round your upper arm in order to show that you have an official position or belong to a particular group. Some people also wear a black armband to show that a friend or relation has died.
2. countable noun [usually plural]
Armbands are plastic rings filled with air that people who are learning to swim wear on their upper arms to help them float.
[mainly British]
armband in British English
(ˈɑːmˌbænd)
noun
1.
a band of material worn round the arm, such as one bearing an identifying mark, etc, or a black one indicating mourning
2.
an inflatable buoyancy aid, worn on the upper arm of a person learning to swim
3.
an elasticated band worn round the upper arm to keep the shirtsleeve in place
armband in American English
(ˈɑrmˌbænd)
US
noun
a cloth band worn around the upper arm, as in mourning or as a symbol of rank, membership, etc.
Examples of 'armband' in a sentence
armband
The captain 's armband must have special powers because he's been brilliant.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
He was the right man to take the captain 's armband, too.
The Sun (2016)
You need to make sure you give people armbands.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But there are no questions over his desire to keep the armband.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Then hand the armband to one of your top players because captains score double points.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You need leadership more than you need a guy wearing the armband.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But the pair face an agonising wait to see who will be handed the armband.
The Sun (2015)
And this is the first time he will wear the armband.
The Sun (2009)
His father handed him the armband.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
We have 12,000 pairs of armbands to give away.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
And the boss insists the Serb will keep the armband until he leaves.
The Sun (2014)
And some are given the armband because it is the manager's choice.
The Sun (2008)
Is that why the England captain is not wearing the armband for his club?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Then hand the armband to one of your top stars - captains score double points.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He enjoys the added pressure of being skipper but insists he is only keeping the armband warm for Kompany.
The Sun (2013)
OK, will you wear these armbands?
The Sun (2012)
Missed last time in 2006 but is looking full of confidence now wearing that captain 's armband.
The Sun (2012)
He fears no one on the football field, commands immense respect from fellow team members and opposition alike and would thrive if given the armband.
The Sun (2010)
The Arsenal midfielder says he will captain by example and prove on the pitch he has the qualities to keep the armband for years to come.
The Sun (2011)
Give the armband to Terry.
The Sun (2011)
The former Birmingham man was handed the armband after signing for 7million this summer.
The Sun (2011)
We've got enough captains in the team anyway, whether you wear the armband or not.
The Sun (2014)
Tonight, he will need to rally his Wales team after being handed the national armband for the first time.
The Sun (2014)
I don't think there's a more fitting player to take that armband off me.