Armor vs. Armour — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 9, 2024
Brief Comparison: Armor is the American spelling, primarily used to refer to protective coverings in combat, whereas armour is the British variant of the same word.
Difference Between Armor and Armour
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Armor is commonly used in American English to denote protective gear used by military personnel or in various forms of combat, while armour is the preferred spelling in British English, used in the same contexts.
Armor often appears in American literature and media, reflecting the U.S. spelling conventions, whereas armour is typically seen in British publications and also retains its form in other Commonwealth countries.
Armor can also be found in technical contexts within the United States, such as in engineering or game design to describe protective systems or gear, on the other hand, armour is used similarly in the UK and other English-speaking nations that follow British spelling rules.
Armor and armour not only differ in spelling but also influence other related terms like "armored" and "armoured," where the usage adheres to the respective American and British conventions, whereas these distinctions extend to derivatives and compound nouns.
In the digital world, American software and games tend to use armor, reflecting American English preferences, while British products maintain the use of armour, aligning with their audience's spelling standards.
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Comparison Chart
Preferred Spelling Region
United States
United Kingdom and Commonwealth
Derivative Words
Armored, armoring
Armoured, armouring
Usage in Literature
American authors
British and Commonwealth authors
Usage in Media
American English media
British English media
Common Contexts
Military, sports, games
Same as left column
Compare with Definitions
Armor
The protective coverings worn by soldiers or warriors historically.
Samurai armor was made from small metal plates lacquered and laced together.
Armour
A protective suit worn in battle or during combat training.
The museum displayed medieval armour from the 15th century.
Armor
Protective gear in sports, such as football or hockey.
The quarterback put on his armor before heading onto the field.
Armour
Historical protective wear used by warriors or soldiers.
The armour of the ancient Roman soldiers included helmets and breastplates.
Armor
Military vehicles equipped with protective coverings, especially tanks and aircraft.
The division rolled out its latest armor at the parade.
Armour
Used figuratively to describe a form of emotional shielding.
She built a tough armour around herself after the incident.
Armor
A metaphorical term for emotional or psychological defense mechanisms.
He used humor as his armor against criticism.
Armour
Vehicles like tanks or warships that are equipped with heavy protective coverings.
The fleet was accompanied by heavy armour.
Armor
A protective covering made to deflect or absorb the impact of projectiles and other weapons.
The knight wore shining armor into battle.
Armour
Protective equipment used in various sports.
Rugby players often wear body armour to protect themselves during games.
Armor
A defensive covering, as of metal, leather, or synthetic materials, worn to protect the body against weapons.
Armour
Armour (British English) or armor (American English; see spelling differences) is a covering to protect an object, individual, or vehicle from damage, especially direct contact weapons or projectiles during combat, or from a potentially dangerous environment or activity (e.g., cycling, construction sites, etc.). Personal armour is used to protect soldiers and war animals.
Armor
A tough, protective covering, such as the bony scales covering certain animals or the metallic plates on tanks or warships.
Armour
The metal coverings formerly worn to protect the body in battle
A suit of armour
Knights in armour
Armor
A safeguard or protection
Faith, the missionary's armor.
Armour
The tough metal layer covering a military vehicle or ship to defend it from attack.
Armor
The combat arm that deploys armored vehicles, such as tanks.
Armour
The protective layer or shell of some animals and plants.
Armor
The armored vehicles of an army.
Armour
A person's emotional, social, or other defences
His armour of self-confidence
Armor
To cover with armor.
Armour
Provide (someone) with emotional, social, or other defences
The knowledge armoured him against her
Armor
(uncountable) A protective layer over a body, vehicle, or other object intended to deflect or diffuse damaging forces.
Armour
Variant of armor.
Armor
(uncountable) A natural form of this kind of protection on an animal's body.
Armour
Standard spelling of armor
Armor
(uncountable) Metal plate, protecting a ship, military vehicle, or aircraft.
Armour
Standard spelling of armor
Armor
(countable) A tank, or other heavy mobile assault vehicle.
Armour
A military unit consisting of armored fighting vehicles
Armor
A military formation consisting primarily of tanks or other armoured fighting vehicles, collectively.
Armour
Protective covering made of metal and used in combat
Armor
The naturally occurring surface of pebbles, rocks or boulders that line the bed of a waterway or beach and provide protection against erosion.
Armour
Tough more-or-less rigid protective covering of an animal or plant
Armor
(transitive) To equip something with armor or a protective coating or hardening.
Armour
Equip with armor
Armor
(transitive) To provide something with an analogous form of protection.
Armor
Defensive arms for the body; any clothing or covering worn to protect one's person in battle.
Armor
Steel or iron covering, whether of ships or forts, protecting them from the fire of artillery.
Armor
Protective covering made of metal and used in combat
Armor
A military unit consisting of armored fighting vehicles
Armor
Tough more-or-less rigid protective covering of an animal or plant
Armor
Equip with armor
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference in pronunciation between armor and armour?
No, both words are pronounced the same way.
What is the main difference between armor and armour?
The main difference is regional spelling; "armor" is American English, while "armour" is British English.
Can American writers use the spelling "armour"?
American writers typically use "armor," but may use "armour" if they are adhering to British English conventions for specific reasons.
What are some examples of armor in sports?
Examples include the padding used in American football and ice hockey.
Are armor and armour used in the same contexts?
Yes, both spellings refer to protective clothing or coverings in military, sports, and other contexts.
What is "armoured" in British English?
"Armoured" refers to something that is protected by armour, similar to the American "armored."
Are there any idiomatic uses of armor or armour?
Yes, phrases like "a knight in shining armor" are idiomatic in both American and British English.
How do manufacturers decide whether to use armor or armour in product names?
Manufacturers choose based on the primary market (American vs. British/Commonwealth) they are targeting.
How is armor used in modern military contexts?
It includes body armor worn by soldiers and protective coverings on military vehicles.
What historical types of armour are there?
Examples include chain mail and plate armour used in medieval Europe.
Do video games distinguish between armor and armour?
Video games produced in the U.S. typically use "armor," while those produced in the UK or for a Commonwealth audience might use "armour."
What does "armored" mean in American English?
"Armored" means equipped with armor, as in "armored vehicle."
What role does armor play in historical reenactments?
Armor is crucial for historical accuracy and protection in reenactments of battles and historical events.
Can armor be used figuratively?
Yes, it can refer to any protective barrier someone uses to guard against emotional harm.
Is there a difference in the materials used for armor and armour?
No, the materials and design principles are the same; the difference is purely in spelling.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
