Armbands are a type of band worn around the upper arm, usually for identification or decoration purposes. They have been used throughout history by various cultures and have different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of armbands, their origins, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Armbands are generally defined as a band or strip of cloth, leather, or other material worn around the upper arm. They can be used for various purposes, such as identification, decoration, protection, or mourning. Armbands can also be used in sports to indicate the team a player belongs to or the position they play.
Origin
The use of armbands dates back to ancient times, when they were used as a symbol of rank or status. In medieval Europe, knights wore armbands to signify their allegiance to a lord or king. During World War II, armbands were used to identify soldiers and distinguish them from civilians.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an armband is “a band worn around the upper arm, especially as a badge of identification or as a symbol of mourning.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a band worn around the arm, especially as a sign of mourning or as a badge of office or rank.”
Associations
Armbands are often associated with military or police uniforms, where they are used to identify officers or soldiers. They are also used in sports to indicate team affiliation or player position. Armbands can also be associated with mourning or remembrance, as they are often worn in memory of someone who has passed away.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for armband include armlet, sleeve, bracelet, and bangle.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for armband, but some opposite concepts might include bare arms, no identification, or no decoration.
The same root words
Armband is a compound word made up of two root words: arm and band. Other words that use these same root words include armlet, bandage, bandana, and bandolier.
Example Sentences
- The soldier wore an armband with his unit’s insignia.
- The athlete wore a red armband to indicate he was the team captain.
- The mourner wore a black armband in memory of her late husband.
- The police officer’s armband identified him as a member of the SWAT team.
- The fashionista wore a gold armband as a statement piece.