unarmed

adjective

un·​armed ˌən-ˈärmd How to pronounce unarmed (audio)
1
: not armed or armored
unarmed civilians
also : not using or involving a weapon
unarmed robbery
2
: having no hard and sharp projections (such as spines, spurs, or claws)

Examples of unarmed in a Sentence

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.
Just as vital from Washington’s standpoint, the Mexican government has permitted the U.S. to fly unarmed drones inside Mexican airspace to spy on the cartels. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025 Listen to this article A federal judge has ruled a Winter Park cop who fatally shot an unarmed but belligerent man at a wedding in 2022 can be personally sued for wrongful death. Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025 The unarmed drones spied on cartels and were operated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Central Intelligence Agency at the Mexican military's request. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 And in Maaloula, despite its cooperation with the government, checkpoints at the entrance to town are now manned at night only by unarmed volunteers. Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unarmed

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Unarmed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unarmed. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

unarmed

adjective
un·​armed ˌən-ˈärmd How to pronounce unarmed (audio)
ˈən-
: not armed or armored
unarmed civilians
also : not using or involving a weapon
unarmed robbery

Medical Definition

unarmed

adjective
un·​armed ˌən-ˈärmd How to pronounce unarmed (audio)
: having no arms or armlike projections
an unarmed tapeworm

More from Merriam-Webster on unarmed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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