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.
This isn’t a call to arms, but rather an invitation for readiness. Steve Booren, Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2025 Yet, Longfellow, at the dawn of the Civil War, wrote of Revere’s journey as a call to arms, a rallying cry aimed at stirring patriotic sentiment among Northerners and a reminder that action by a single individual can matter. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025 Other leaders across the country appeared to heed this call to arms. Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025 That may not exactly sound like a call to arms, but the title of an expert and engaging new introduction to the philosopher encourages us to think otherwise. Adam Kirsch, New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2025 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 16 Dec. 2025.

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