Hand vs. Arm — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on July 2, 2024
Hand" refers to the end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist, while "Arm" denotes the entire upper limb from the shoulder to the fingertips.
Difference Between Hand and Arm
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Hand" and "Arm" are anatomical terms referring to different parts of the human body. The hand is specifically the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers, enabling the holding and manipulation of objects. On the other hand, the term "Arm" represents the whole upper limb from the shoulder to the fingertips. It includes the forearm and the upper arm and is crucial for tasks requiring strength and reach. The arm allows humans to interact with their environment, providing the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects, being fundamental for mobility and interaction.
While the hand is recognized for its precision and dexterity, enabling intricate maneuvers, the arm is acknowledged for its role in movement and strength, enabling the positioning of the hand in space. The arm is the conduit through which the versatile movements of the hand are made possible, reflecting the synergy between strength and precision in human anatomy.
In essence, while the hand is focused on fine motor skills and precise interactions with objects, the arm is more about gross motor skills, involving larger movements and providing the necessary support and mobility for the hand. The distinction between hand and arm is crucial in understanding human anatomy and functionality, emphasizing the harmonious integration of strength and precision.
Comparison Chart
Definition
End part of a person's arm beyond the wrist
Entire upper limb from the shoulder to the fingertips
Function
Fine motor skills, manipulation of objects
Gross motor skills, mobility, and strength
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Components
Fingers, thumb, and palm
Shoulder, upper arm, forearm, wrist, hand
Anatomical Role
Precision and dexterity
Support, reach, and strength
Movement
Intricate maneuvers
Larger movements
Compare with Definitions
Hand
The extremity of the human arm located below the forearm, used for grasping.
She raised her hand to ask a question.
Arm
A branch or division of a company or organization.
The research arm of the company is very innovative.
Hand
A pointer on a clock or watch indicating the passing of time.
The minute hand has moved past twelve.
Arm
A narrow, elongated extension of a larger structure.
The arm of the sofa was adorned with intricate designs.
Hand
A unit of measurement used to measure the height of horses.
The pony is fourteen hands high.
Arm
A lever connected to machinery, changing motion or force.
The arm of the crane lifted the heavy load effortlessly.
Hand
A round of applause to acknowledge a performance.
The pianist received a big hand from the audience.
Arm
In human anatomy, the arm is the part of the upper limb between the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint) and the elbow joint. In common usage, the arm extends through the hand.
Hand
A hand is a prehensile, multi-fingered appendage located at the end of the forearm or forelimb of primates such as humans, chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs. A few other vertebrates such as the koala (which has two opposable thumbs on each "hand" and fingerprints extremely similar to human fingerprints) are often described as having "hands" instead of paws on their front limbs.
Arm
An upper limb of the human body, connecting the hand and wrist to the shoulder.
Hand
The end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist, including the palm, fingers, and thumb
The palm of her hand
He was leading her by the hand
Arm
A part similar to a human arm, such as the forelimb of an animal or a long part projecting from a central support in a machine.
Hand
A pointer on a clock or watch indicating the passing of units of time
The second hand
Arm
Something, such as a sleeve on a garment or a support on a chair, that is designed to cover or support the human arm.
Hand
Used in reference to the power to direct something
The day-to-day running of the house was in her hands
They are taking the law into their own hands
Arm
A relatively narrow extension jutting out from a large mass:an arm of the sea.
Hand
A person's workmanship, especially in artistic work
His idiosyncratic hand
Arm
An administrative or functional branch, as of an organization.
Hand
A person who engages in manual labour, especially in a factory, on a farm, or on board a ship
A factory hand
The ship was lost with all hands
Arm
Power or authority:the long arm of the law.
Hand
The set of cards dealt to a player in a card game
The situation does not give them a strong hand at the negotiating table
He's got a good hand
Arm
(Sports)The skill of throwing or pitching a ball well.
Hand
A unit of measurement of a horse's height, equal to 4 inches (10.16 cm).
Arm
A weapon, especially a firearm
Troops bearing arms.
ICBMs, bombs, and other nuclear arms.
Hand
A bunch of bananas
Mottled hands of bananas
Arm
A branch of a military force
Infantry, armor, and other combat arms.
Hand
Pick (something) up and give it to (someone)
I handed the trowel back to him
He handed each man a glass
Arm
Warfare
A call to arms against the invaders.
Hand
Hold the hand of (someone) in order to guide them in a specified direction
He handed them into the carriage
Arm
Military service
Several million volunteers under arms.
The profession of arms.
Hand
Take in or furl (a sail)
Hand in the main!
Arm
(Heraldry) Bearings.
Hand
The terminal part of the human arm located below the forearm, used for grasping and holding and consisting of the wrist, palm, four fingers, and an opposable thumb.
Arm
Insignia, as of a state, an official, a family, or an organization.
Hand
A homologous or similar part in other animals, as the terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates.
Arm
To supply or equip oneself with weaponry.
Hand
A unit of length equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters), used especially to specify the height of a horse.
Arm
To prepare oneself for warfare or conflict.
Hand
Any of the rotating pointers used as indexes on the face of a mechanical clock.
Arm
To equip with weapons
Armed themselves with loaded pistols.
Arm a missile with a warhead.
Arm a nation for war.
Hand
A pointer, as on a gauge or dial.
Arm
To equip with what is needed for effective action
Tax advisers who were armed with the latest forms.
Hand
(Printing)See index.
Arm
To provide with something that strengthens or protects
A space reentry vehicle that was armed with a ceramic shield.
Hand
Lateral direction indicated according to the way in which one is facing
At my right hand.
Arm
To prepare (a weapon or electronic system, such as an alarm) for use or operation, as by releasing a safety device.
Hand
A style or individual sample of writing.
Arm
The portion of the upper human appendage, from the shoulder to the wrist and sometimes including the hand.
She stood with her right arm extended and her palm forward to indicate “Stop!”
Hand
A signature
Put my hand to the contract.
Arm
(anatomy) The extended portion of the upper limb, from the shoulder to the elbow.
The arm and forearm are parts of the upper limb in the human body.
Hand
A round of applause to signify approval.
Arm
A limb, or locomotive or prehensile organ, of an invertebrate animal.
The arms of an octopus
Hand
Physical assistance; help
Gave me a hand with the bags.
Arm
The part of a piece of clothing that covers the arm.
Hand
Hands Sports A hand ball in soccer.
Arm
A long, narrow, more or less rigid part of an object extending from the main part or centre of the object, such as the arm of an armchair, a crane, a pair of spectacles or a pair of compasses.
The robot arm reached out and placed the part on the assembly line.
Hand
The cards held in a card game by a given player at any time.
Arm
(geography) A bay or inlet off a main body of water.
Shelburne Bay is an arm of Lake Champlain.
Hand
The number of cards dealt each player; the deal.
Arm
A branch of an organization.
The cavalry arm of the military service
Hand
A player or participant in a card game
We need a fourth hand for bridge.
Arm
(figurative) Power; might; strength; support.
The arm of the law
The secular arm
Hand
A portion or section of a game during which all the cards dealt out are played
A hand of poker.
Arm
A pitcher
The team needs to sign another arm in the offseason.
Hand
One who performs manual labor
A factory hand.
Arm
(genetics) One of the two parts of a chromosome.
Hand
One who is part of a group or crew
The ship's hands.
Arm
A group of patients in a medical trial.
Hand
A participant in an activity, often one who specializes in a particular activity or pursuit
An old hand at labor negotiations.
Arm
(usually used in the plural) A weapon.
Hand
The degree of immediacy of a source of information; degree of reliability
Heard the scandalous tale at third hand.
Arm
(in the plural) heraldic bearings or insignia.
The Duke's arms were a sable gryphon rampant on an argent field.
Hand
The strength or force of one's position
Negotiated from a strong hand.
Arm
; hostilities; deeds or exploits of war.
Hand
Often hands Possession, ownership, or keeping
The books should be in your hands by noon.
Arm
To take by the arm; to take up in one's arms.
Hand
Power; jurisdiction; care
The defendant's fate is in the hands of the jury. Dinner is in the chef's hands.
Arm
(transitive) To supply with armour or (later especially) weapons.
The king armed his knights with swords and shields.
Hand
Involvement or participation
"In all this was evident the hand of the counterrevolutionaries" (John Reed).
Arm
To supply with the equipment, knowledge, authority, or other tools needed for a particular task; to furnish with capability; to equip.
Hand
An influence or effect
The manager had a hand in all major decisions.
Arm
(transitive) To prepare (a tool, weapon, or system) for action; to activate.
Remember to arm the alarm system before leaving for work.
Hand
Evidence of craft or artistic skill
Can see the hand of a genius even in the lighter poems.
Arm
To become prepared for action; to activate.
Hand
An aptitude or ability
I tried my hand at decorating.
Arm
(transitive) To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or efficiency.
To arm the hit of a sword; to arm a hook in angling
Hand
The aesthetic feel or tactile quality of something, such as a fabric, textile, or carpeting, that indicates its fineness, texture, and durability.
Arm
(intransitive) To take up weapons; to arm oneself.
Hand
A manner or way of performing something
A light hand with makeup.
Arm
(transitive) To fit (a magnet) with an armature.
Hand
Permission or a promise, especially a pledge to wed.
Arm
; lacking in riches or wealth.
Hand
A commitment or agreement, especially when sealed by a handshake; one's word
You have my hand on that.
Arm
To be pitied; pitiful; wretched.
Hand
To give or pass with or as if with the hands; transmit
Hand me your keys.
Arm
The limb of the human body which extends from the shoulder to the hand; also, the corresponding limb of a monkey.
Hand
To aid, direct, or conduct with the hands
The usher handed the patron to a reserved seat.
Arm
Anything resembling an arm
Hand
(Nautical)To roll up and secure (a sail); furl.
Arm
Fig.: Power; might; strength; support; as, the secular arm; the arm of the law.
To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
Hand
To give (the ball) directly to a teammate, as in football. Often used with off.
Arm
A branch of the military service; as, the cavalry arm was made efficient.
Hand
To carry, strike, or propel (the ball) with the hand or arm in violation of the rules in soccer.
Arm
To take by the arm; to take up in one's arms.
And make him with our pikes and partisansA grave: come, arm him.
Arm your prize;I know you will not lose him.
Hand
To make a handoff, as in football. Often used with off.
Arm
To furnish with arms or limbs.
His shoulders broad and strong,Armed long and round.
Hand
The part of the forelimb below the forearm or wrist in a human, and the corresponding part in many other animals.
Her hands are really strong.
Arm
To furnish or equip with weapons of offense or defense; as, to arm soldiers; to arm the country.
Abram . . . armed his trained servants.
Hand
That which resembles, or to some extent performs the office of, a human hand.
Arm
To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or efficiency; as, to arm the hit of a sword; to arm a hook in angling.
Hand
A limb of certain animals, such as the foot of a hawk, or any one of the four extremities of a monkey.
Arm
Fig.: To furnish with means of defense; to prepare for resistance; to fortify, in a moral sense.
Arm yourselves . . . with the same mind.
Hand
An index or pointer on a dial; such as the hour and minute hands on the face of an analog clock, which are used to indicate the time of day.
Arm
To provide one's self with arms, weapons, or means of attack or resistance; to take arms.
Hand
That which is, or may be, held in a hand at once.
Arm
A human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
Hand
(card games) The set of cards held by a player.
Arm
Any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting;
He was licensed to carry a weapon
Hand
(tobacco manufacturing) A bundle of tobacco leaves tied together.
Arm
An administrative division of some larger or more complex organization;
A branch of Congress
Hand
(collective) A bunch of bananas.
Arm
Any projection that is thought to resemble an arm;
The arm of the record player
An arm of the sea
A branch of the sewer
Hand
That which has the appearance of, a human hand.
Arm
The part of an armchair or sofa that supports the elbow and forearm of a seated person
Hand
A bunch of bananas, a typical retail amount, where individual fruits are fingers.
Arm
The part of a garment that is attached at armhole and provides a cloth covering for the arm
Hand
In linear measurement:
Arm
Prepare oneself for a military confrontation;
The U.S. is girding for a conflict in the Middle East
Troops are building up on the Iraqui border
Hand
Four inches, a hand's breadth.
Arm
Supply with arms;
The U.S. armed the freedom fighters in Afghanistan
Hand
(obsolete) Three inches.
Arm
The upper limb of the human body, connecting the hand to the shoulder.
He lifted his arm to catch the ball.
Hand
A side; part, camp; direction, either right or left.
Arm
To equip or supply with weapons.
The soldiers were armed with rifles.
Hand
Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill; dexterity.
Hand
(especially in compounds) An agent; a servant, or manual laborer; a workman, trained or competent for special service or duty.
Large farms need many farm hands.
Hand
A performer more or less skilful.
An old hand at public speaking
Hand
An instance of helping.
Bob gave Alice a hand to move the furniture.
Hand
Handwriting; style of penmanship.
A good hand
Hand
A person's autograph or signature.
Given under my Hand and Seal of the State this 1st Day of January, 2010.
Hand
Promise, word.
Hand
Personal possession; ownership.
Hand
Management, domain, control.
In safe hands;
In good hands;
He lost his job when the factory changed hands.
With the business back in the founder's hands, there is new hope for the company.
With John in charge of the project, it's in good hands.
Hand
Applause.
Give him a hand.
Hand
(historical) A Native American gambling game, involving guessing the whereabouts of bits of ivory or similar, which are passed rapidly from hand to hand.
Hand
(firearms) The small part of a gunstock near the lock, which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.
Hand
A whole rhizome of ginger.
Hand
The feel of a fabric; the impression or quality of the fabric as judged qualitatively by the sense of touch.
This fabric has a smooth, soft hand.
Hand
(archaic) Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence, manner of performance.
Hand
(archaic) Agency in transmission from one person to another.
To buy at first hand (from the producer, or when new);
To buy at second hand (when no longer in the producer’s hand, or when not new);
It's not a rumor. I heard it at first hand.
Hand
(obsolete) Rate; price.
Hand
(transitive) To give, pass or transmit with the hand, literally or figuratively.
He handed them the letter.
She handed responsibility over to her deputy.
Hand
(transitive) To lead, guide, or assist with the hand; to conduct.
To hand a lady into a carriage
Hand
To manage.
Hand
To seize; to lay hands on.
Hand
To pledge by the hand; to handfast.
Hand
To furl.
Hand
To cooperate.
Hand
That part of the fore limb below the forearm or wrist in man and monkeys, and the corresponding part in many other animals; manus; paw. See Manus.
Hand
That which resembles, or to some extent performs the office of, a human hand
Hand
A measure equal to a hand's breadth, - four inches; a palm. Chiefly used in measuring the height of horses.
Hand
Side; part; direction, either right or left.
On this hand and that hand, were hangings.
The Protestants were then on the winning hand.
Hand
Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill; dexterity.
He had a great mind to try his hand at a Spectator.
Hand
Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence, manner of performance.
To change the hand in carrying on the war.
Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand.
Hand
An agent; a servant, or laborer; a workman, trained or competent for special service or duty; a performer more or less skillful; as, a deck hand; a farm hand; an old hand at speaking.
A dictionary containing a natural history requires too many hands, as well as too much time, ever to be hoped for.
I was always reckoned a lively hand at a simile.
Hand
Handwriting; style of penmanship; as, a good, bad, or running hand. Hence, a signature.
I say she never did invent this letter;This is a man's invention and his hand.
Some writs require a judge's hand.
Hand
Personal possession; ownership; hence, control; direction; management; - usually in the plural.
Albinus . . . found means to keep in his hands the government of Britain.
Hand
Agency in transmission from one person to another; as, to buy at first hand, that is, from the producer, or when new; at second hand, that is, when no longer in the producer's hand, or when not new.
Hand
Rate; price.
Hand
That which is, or may be, held in a hand at once
Hand
The small part of a gunstock near the lock, which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.
Hand
A gambling game played by American Indians, consisting of guessing the whereabouts of bits of ivory or the like, which are passed rapidly from hand to hand.
Hand
To give, pass, or transmit with the hand; as, he handed them the letter.
Hand
To lead, guide, or assist with the hand; to conduct; as, to hand a lady into a carriage.
Hand
To manage; as, I hand my oar.
Hand
To seize; to lay hands on.
Hand
To pledge by the hand; to handfast.
Hand
To furl; - said of a sail.
Hand
To coöperate.
Hand
The (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb;
He had the hands of a surgeon
He extended his mitt
Hand
A hired laborer on a farm or ranch;
The hired hand fixed the railing
A ranch hand
Hand
Something written by hand;
She recognized his handwriting
His hand was illegible
Hand
Ability;
He wanted to try his hand at singing
Hand
A position given by its location to the side of an object;
Objections were voiced on every hand
Hand
The cards held in a card game by a given player at any given time;
I didn't hold a good hand all evening
He kept trying to see my hand
Hand
One of two sides of an issue;
On the one hand..., but on the other hand...
Hand
A rotating pointer on the face of a timepiece;
The big hand counts the minutes
Hand
A unit of length equal to 4 inches; used in measuring horses;
The horse stood 20 hands
Hand
A member of the crew of a ship;
All hands on deck
Hand
A card player in a game of bridge;
We need a 4th hand for bridge
Hand
A round of applause to signify approval;
Give the little lady a great big hand
Hand
Terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates (e.g. apes or kangaroos);
The kangaroo's forearms seem undeveloped but the powerful five-fingered hands are skilled at feinting and clouting
Hand
Physical assistance;
Give me a hand with the chores
Hand
Place into the hands or custody of;
Hand me the spoon, please
Turn the files over to me, please
He turned over the prisoner to his lawyers
Hand
Guide or conduct or usher somewhere;
Hand the elderly lady into the taxi
Hand
A person’s handwriting or signature.
His hand was cramped and illegible.
Common Curiosities
Does the term arm represent the whole upper limb?
Yes, the term "arm" denotes the entire upper limb from the shoulder to the fingertips.
Is hand recognized for its precision and dexterity?
Yes, the hand is renowned for its ability to perform tasks requiring precision and dexterity.
Is the hand used for grasping and manipulating objects?
Absolutely, the hand’s primary functions include grasping and manipulating objects.
Does the arm include the hand and the forearm?
Yes, the arm includes both the hand and the forearm, extending from the shoulder to the fingertips.
Can arm also refer to supplying with weapons?
Yes, to "arm" can mean to equip or supply with weapons.
Can the term hand also refer to a round of applause?
Yes, the term "hand" can also colloquially refer to a round of applause.
Is a hand specifically the extremity of the arm?
Yes, the hand is the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers.
Is the arm crucial for tasks requiring strength and reach?
Absolutely, the arm is essential for performing tasks that require strength and reach.
Is the arm responsible for larger movements and providing support and mobility for the hand?
Absolutely, the arm is responsible for larger movements and offers the necessary support and mobility to the hand.
Can the term arm refer to a branch or division of a company?
Yes, the term "arm" can also refer to a branch or division of a company or organization.
Is the hand capable of intricate maneuvers?
Indeed, the hand is capable of executing intricate maneuvers thanks to its structure and functionality.
Can hand also mean a person’s handwriting?
Yes, "hand" can also refer to a person’s handwriting or signature.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
