at the ready

phrase

Synonyms of at the readynext
: ready for immediate use
kept guns at the ready

Examples of at the ready in a Sentence

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.
This kept all English ships at their home ports, at the ready for defense. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 In the meantime, humans are at the ready in case things go sideways. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 Disaster repair funds at the ready Between 1980 and 2024, Florida averaged just over two billion-dollar weather disasters each year. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 These kids have their run of the island, and there’s ample sun and boats, booze and pot, old friends and new ones at the ready whenever Annie’s journey of self-discovery gets too heavy. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at the ready

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at the ready was in 1837

Rhymes for at the ready

See All Rhymes for at the ready

Browse Nearby Words

at the pump
at the ready
at the risk of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At the ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20ready. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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