armed forces

plural noun

Synonyms of armed forcesnext
: the combined military, naval, and air forces of a nation

called also armed services

Examples of armed forces in a Sentence

our nation's armed forces are stationed throughout the world
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.
Now, that process has spread to the rest of the branches of the armed forces. Lauren Hodges, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026 Individuals who sign contracts with Russia’s Ministry of Defense are treated as members of the armed forces and are entitled to prisoner-of-war protections, though some cases may also meet the criteria for human trafficking, creating additional legal questions. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Within mere months, Simon would be a world-famous feline as well as the only cat to ever receive a PDSA Dickin Medal, the highest honor an animal can receive for serving in the armed forces. Anne Ewbank, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026 Sharif reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and said the nation stands with its armed forces in the fight. ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for armed forces

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of armed forces was in 1572

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Cite this Entry

“Armed forces.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armed%20forces. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

armed forces

plural noun
: the military, naval, and air forces of a nation

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