cold war

noun

1

: a conflict over ideological differences carried on by methods short of sustained overt military action and usually without breaking off diplomatic relations

specifically, often capitalized C&W : the ideological conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the second half of the 20th century compare hot war

2

: a condition of rivalry, mistrust, and often open hostility short of violence especially between power groups (such as labor and management)

Examples of cold war in a Sentence

the era of the Cold War

the cold war between the party's more liberal and conservative members

Recent Examples on the Web

The border cold war finally thawed, and over the next decade-plus the schools slowly renewed acquaintances in several sports, including men’s basketball. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2025

Some of the largest states in the union are currently engaged in a cold war over the House of Representatives, which the Republicans hold with a single-digits majority. —Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

The social media cold war between the two singers seems related to Cain dating Del Rey’s ex, Salem’s Jack Donoghue. —William Earl, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025

The world is run by corporations, all apparently in a cold war with one another. —Noel Murray, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cold war

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore

Kids Definition

cold war

noun

: a struggle over political differences (as of two nations) carried on by methods short of war and usually without breaking off diplomatic relations