mil·i·tary
ˈmi-lə-ˌter-ē 
1
a
: of or relating to soldiers, arms, or war
military discipline/life/service
the country's military needs
a military career
b
: of or relating to armed forces
especially
: of or relating to ground or sometimes ground and air forces as opposed to naval forces
military and naval affairs
2
a
: performed or made by armed forces
military operations
b
: supported by armed force
a military government
a military coup
3
: of or relating to the army
the military academy at West Point
plural military also militaries
1
: military persons
especially
: army officers
2
Examples of military in a Sentence
Adjective
He is being tried in a military court rather than in a civilian court.
He has had a long military career.
Noun
There were many military present but only a few civilians.
some would insist that the military's budget is still inadequate
Recent Examples on the Web
Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Kent & Curwen’s fall 2026 collection, which showed at Westminster School in London in April, was an ode to the posh English collegiate look, full of tennis and cricket sweaters, tweed jackets, and knitwear that sparkled with brooches resembling military regalia.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 May 2026
CBS News, 24 May 2026
In any case, preventing such an outcome has less to do with the size of America’s munitions stockpile than with coming up with a realistic strategy that skillfully mixes diplomacy, economic statecraft, strong alliances, and a capable military focused on defense rather than global interventionism.
—William Hartung, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for military
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.
Adjective
At least two military members also attend veteran funeral services, usually sent from either active duty, the national guard or the reserve, said Chadd Boland, a National Guard staff sergeant.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Kent & Curwen’s fall 2026 collection, which showed at Westminster School in London in April, was an ode to the posh English collegiate look, full of tennis and cricket sweaters, tweed jackets, and knitwear that sparkled with brooches resembling military regalia.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 May 2026
Noun
On behalf of all of us here at Face the Nation, to our military, our veterans, and their families, thank you for your service.
—CBS News, 24 May 2026
In any case, preventing such an outcome has less to do with the size of America’s munitions stockpile than with coming up with a realistic strategy that skillfully mixes diplomacy, economic statecraft, strong alliances, and a capable military focused on defense rather than global interventionism.
—William Hartung, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for military
Cite this Entry
“Military.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/military. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
military
1 of 2 adjective
mil·i·tary
ˈmil-ə-ˌter-ē
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of soldiers, arms, or war
military discipline
2
: carried on or supported by armed force
a military government
3
: of or relating to the army
military and naval affairs
military
2 of 2 noun
plural military
1
2
: military persons
especially
: army officers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
