open arms

plural noun

Synonyms of open armsnext
: an eager or warm welcome
greeted them with open arms

Examples of open arms 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.
The Warning were benefactors of this kind of sisterhood, finding open arms from predecessors like Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, as well as the Pretty Reckless frontwoman Taylor Momsen, and Lilith Czar. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026 America has a mixed history of welcoming people, but many of our ancestors certainly took advantage of its open arms. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026 While Charles has seemingly welcomed them back in with open arms, both Kate and William are much more cautious. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 15 Aug. 2026 The students agreed that Bostonians have welcomed them with open arms the past few weeks, even amid Scotland’s overwhelming takeover of the city with the Tartan Army. — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for open arms

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open arms was in 1670

Rhymes for open arms

See All Rhymes for open arms

Browse Nearby Words

open arc lamp
open arms
open-arse
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Cite this Entry

“Open arms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20arms. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

open arms

plural noun
: an eager or warm welcome
greeted us with open arms

More from Merriam-Webster on open arms

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for open arms

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