armpit

noun

arm·​pit ˈärm-ˌpit How to pronounce armpit (audio)
Synonyms of armpitnext
1
: the hollow beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder
2
: the least desirable place : pit
… 77th Street Station … was the armpit of detective duty.—Joseph Wambaugh

Examples of armpit in a Sentence

a city described as the armpit of America
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Apply cold wet cloths to your neck, armpits and groin, where blood flow is highest, and keep sipping cool water. — Allison Palmer updated June 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026 Light fingertip circles at the armpits and groin crease open the two largest drainage clusters in the body before movement begins. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 Small fingertip circles at the armpits and groin crease open the body’s two largest drainage clusters before movement begins. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026 Apply cold wet cloths to the neck, armpits and groin, the highest blood-flow areas, to accelerate cooling. — Allison Palmer updated June 25, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for armpit

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of armpit was in the 14th century

Rhymes for armpit

See All Rhymes for armpit

Browse Nearby Words

armpiece
armpit
armrack
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Armpit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armpit. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

armpit

noun
arm·​pit ˈärm-ˌpit How to pronounce armpit (audio)
: the hollow beneath the spot where the arm and shoulder join

Medical Definition

armpit

noun
arm·​pit ˈärm-ˌpit How to pronounce armpit (audio)
: the hollow beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder : axilla

More from Merriam-Webster on armpit

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for armpit

Nglish: Translation of armpit for Spanish Speakers

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