Armory vs. Armoury: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Armory is a place where arms and military equipment are stored. Armoury is a British English variant of "armory," also referring to a storage place for arms.
Key Differences
Armory originates from American English, denoting a place where weapons and military equipment are stored or manufactured. It's commonly used in the United States. Armoury, on the other hand, is the British English equivalent, used in the UK and Commonwealth countries, carrying the same meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
The spelling difference between armory and armoury reflects the broader variations between American and British English. In American contexts, "armory" is preferred, while "armoury" is favored in British English-speaking regions. Both words have the same pronunciation and function in language.
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Nov 27, 2023
Historically, an armory has been a crucial part of military infrastructure in the U.S., serving as a storage and supply point. The armoury in British history shares a similar role but is often associated with historic castles and fortifications.
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Nov 27, 2023
In contemporary use, armory can also refer to a metaphorical arsenal of resources or skills. Similarly, armoury in British English might be used in a metaphorical sense. Both terms can also denote a specific building or institution, like the Springfield Armory in the U.S. or the Tower of London Armoury in the UK.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
In literature and media, the term armory is often used in American publications and works, while armoury appears in British and Commonwealth literature. Both terms convey a sense of strength, defense, and historical significance.
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Nov 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Cultural Context
Associated with U.S. military history
Linked to British and Commonwealth military history
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Nov 27, 2023
Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically for resources or skills
Similarly used metaphorically in British English
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Nov 27, 2023
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Armory and Armoury Definitions
Armory
A place where weapons are manufactured.
The armory was busy producing rifles for the army.
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Nov 27, 2023
Armoury
A collection of weapons, often historic.
The castle's armoury displayed ancient swords and armor.
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Nov 27, 2023
Armory
A historic building used for military purposes.
The old armory is now a museum.
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Nov 27, 2023
Armoury
A source of strength or defense.
His knowledge acted as an armoury against criticism.
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Nov 27, 2023
Armory
A building for storing arms and military equipment.
The soldiers retrieved their equipment from the armory.
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Nov 27, 2023
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Armory
A building for storing arms and military equipment, especially one serving as headquarters for military reserve personnel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Armory
A place where arms and instruments of war are deposited for safe keeping.
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Oct 19, 2023
Armory
Armor; defensive and offensive arms.
Celestial armory, shields, helms, and spears.
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Oct 19, 2023
Armory
A manufactory of arms, as rifles, muskets, pistols, bayonets, swords.
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Oct 19, 2023
Armoury
A military structure where arms and ammunition and other military equipment are stored and training is given in the use of arms.
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Oct 19, 2023
Armory
That branch of heraldry which treats of coat armor.
The science of heraldry, or, more justly speaking, armory, which is but one branch of heraldry, is, without doubt, of very ancient origin.
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Oct 19, 2023
Armoury
A collection of resources;
He dipped into his intellectual armory to find an answer
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Armory
A collection of resources;
He dipped into his intellectual armory to find an answer
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Armoury
A military structure where arms and ammunition and other military equipment are stored and training is given in the use of arms
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Armory
A military structure where arms and ammunition and other military equipment are stored and training is given in the use of arms
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Oct 19, 2023
Armoury
A place for storing arms in British English.
The armoury was well-stocked with medieval weapons.
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Nov 27, 2023
Armory
A facility used by the National Guard for training and storage.
The National Guard conducted drills at the local armory.
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Nov 27, 2023
Armoury
A historic military building in the UK.
We visited the armoury at the Tower of London.
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Nov 27, 2023
Armory
A source of resources or tools.
His skills formed an impressive armory in negotiations.
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Nov 27, 2023
Armoury
A symbol of military heritage in the UK.
The armoury stands as a reminder of our past battles.
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Nov 27, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is the pronunciation of armory and armoury the same?
Yes, both words are pronounced the same.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Can armory be used in a non-military context?
Yes, "armory" can be used metaphorically in various non-military contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Do armory and armoury have different spellings?
Yes, "armory" is the American spelling, and "armoury" is the British spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Are armory and armoury interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable, but "armory" is preferred in American English and "armoury" in British English.
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Nov 27, 2023
What does armoury mean in British English?
Armoury in British English refers to a storage place for arms and military equipment, similar to the American "armory."
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Nov 27, 2023
Can armory refer to a collection of skills?
Yes, "armory" can be used metaphorically to refer to a collection of skills or resources.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can armoury refer to a personal collection of weapons?
Yes, "armoury" can refer to a personal or historical collection of weapons.
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Nov 27, 2023
What is an armory?
An armory is a place where arms and military equipment are stored or made, predominantly in American English.
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Nov 27, 2023
Does armoury have historical significance in the UK?
Yes, armouries are often associated with historical military sites in the UK.
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Nov 27, 2023
What is a famous armory in the U.S.?
The Springfield Armory is a well-known historic armory in the U.S.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can armory mean a National Guard facility?
Yes, in the U.S., "armory" often refers to a National Guard facility.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is armoury used metaphorically in British English?
Yes, like "armory," "armoury" can also be used metaphorically in British English.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is armoury used outside of the UK?
Armoury is also used in other Commonwealth countries besides the UK.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Is armory used in American literature?
Yes, "armory" is commonly used in American literature and media.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Are there modern armouries in the UK?
Yes, modern armouries exist in the UK, often associated with military bases.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Are there any cultural differences in the use of armory and armoury?
Yes, "armory" is often associated with U.S. military history, while "armoury" is linked to British and Commonwealth military history.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Can armory refer to a manufacturing place for weapons?
Yes, "armory" can also mean a place where weapons are manufactured.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
What role does armory play in American history?
Armories have been central to U.S. military history, serving as storage and manufacturing sites.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Can armoury be a historic site in the UK?
Yes, many historic sites in the UK, like the Tower of London, have armouries.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is armoury used in British military contexts?
Yes, "armoury" is commonly used in British military contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.