peacetime

noun

peace·​time ˈpēs-ˌtīm How to pronounce peacetime (audio)
: a time when a nation is not at war

Examples of peacetime in a Sentence

The size of the army was reduced during peacetime.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Moreover, peacetime regulations in Europe prevent much of the equipment from being used properly. Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2025 The event is believed to be the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster involving a Polish ship. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025 Furthermore, carrier operations are among the most complex peacetime activities humans undertake. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025 Revitalizing commercial shipbuilding — ferries, merchant vessels, water taxis, and vessels for short-sea shipping — would not only unlock that value in peacetime, but also create the industrial foundation for defense. Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peacetime

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peacetime was circa 1534

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peacetime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peacetime. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

peacetime

noun
peace·​time ˈpē-ˌstīm How to pronounce peacetime (audio)
: a time when a nation is not at war

More from Merriam-Webster on peacetime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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