army

ar·my

noun \ˈär-mē\

plural armies

Definition of ARMY

1

a : a large organized body of armed personnel trained for war especially on land

b : a unit capable of independent action and consisting usually of a headquarters, two or more corps, and auxiliary troops

c often capitalized : the complete military organization of a nation for land warfare

2

: a great multitude <an army of birds>

3

: a body of persons organized to advance a cause

Examples of ARMY

1. the armies of Alexander the Great
2. He left home and joined the army after he graduated from high school.
3. The company employs an army of lawyers to handle its legal affairs.
4. They sent in a whole army of trained technicians.
5. The organization was founded by a dedicated army of volunteers.

Origin of ARMY

Middle English armee, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin armata — more at armada

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ARMY

Synonyms

array, battalion, host, legion

Related Words

militia, national guard, standing army; infantry, ranks, regulars, soldiers, troopers, troops

Rhymes with ARMY

barmy, smarmy

army

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Large, organized force armed and trained for war, especially on land. The term may be applied to a large unit organized for independent action or to a nation's or ruler's overall military organization for land warfare. The character and organization of armies have varied through history. At various times armies have been built around infantry soldiers or mounted warriors (e.g., cavalry) or men in machines, and have been made up of professionals or amateurs, of mercenaries fighting for pay or for plunder, or of patriots fighting for a cause. See also air force, conscription, guerrilla, military unit, militia, U.S. Army.