armpit

noun

arm·​pit ˈärm-ˌpit How to pronounce armpit (audio)
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 dutyJoseph 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.
The broadhead crossbow bolt pierced into Eleanor’s upper torso through her armpit before hitting Megan in the chest, the sheriff’s office said. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 1 July 2025 The way to do it is with judicious use of strong contrast colours, and that’s exactly what Nike has done here, with those pinks, blues and reds underneath the armpits and down the side of the shorts. Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 June 2025 The pole went through her armpit and came out her back, Asbury Park Fire Department Battalion Chief Christopher Barkalow told the outlet. Dan Radel, USA Today, 27 June 2025 The lethal shot entered Hinton on the left side of his chest near his armpit, struck a rib and his heart, then exited near the sternum, the coroner said. Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Armpit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armpit. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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

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