call to arms

noun phrase

Synonyms of call to armsnext
1
: a summons to engage in active hostilities
2
: a summons, invitation, or appeal to undertake a particular course of action
a political call to arms

Examples of call to arms 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.
The article frames the Diabetes Care editorial—warning that funding cuts and political interference will drive scientists out of biomedical research and cripple progress on diabetes and other diseases—as a wider call to arms. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 Winnipeg must fulfill Hellebuyck’s call to arms or prepare to trade him, and Hellebuyck must return to form, lest a mid-30s fall from Hart Trophy-caliber excellence take the weight from his words. Murat Ates, New York Times, 1 June 2026 The general call to arms is also being reiterated on state television, with several channels broadcasting their hosts brandishing assault rifles. Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 18 May 2026 For some among the new generation of answering their country's call to arms, a bitter lesson from Dutch history is motivating them. ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for call to arms

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of call to arms was in 1702

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Cite this Entry

“Call to arms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20to%20arms. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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