The central feature of the coat of arms is a shield, divided into four parts by a golden cross. In the center of this cross is the Santa Maria, Columbus' flagship. A lion is shown in the upper left and also in the lower right section of the shield and a  crescent moon and lily in the upper right and also in the lower left sections. Atop the shield there is a golden crown, topped by a garland of Bougainvillea. Above the crown and within the garland are seven red roses representing seven communities in Grenada. Holding the shield are an armadillo, which stands before a corn stalk, and, on the other side, a Grenada dove, which stands before a banana plant. The base represents a grassland, mountains and Grenada's Grand Etang lake. A ribbon displays the national motto: "Ever conscious of God we aspire, build and advance as one people."

The coat of arms was adopted in 1974 following independence.