combatant

noun

com·​bat·​ant kəm-ˈba-tᵊnt How to pronounce combatant (audio)
also ˈkäm-bə-tənt
Synonyms of combatantnext
: one that is engaged in or ready to engage in combat
combatant adjective

Examples of combatant in a Sentence

Britain was a main combatant in World War II.
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.
That makes some of these contestations existential, particularly for smaller combatants. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 12 Jan. 2026 Those figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 Colby stands next to Coach — the two combatants from a furious Day 1 challenge exactly 30 seasons ago. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026 Many are drawn from intelligence and police units and view themselves as ideological combatants preparing for a prolonged confrontation. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combatant

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of combatant was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Combatant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combatant. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

combatant

noun
com·​bat·​ant kəm-ˈbat-ᵊnt How to pronounce combatant (audio)
also ˈkäm-bət-
: one that is engaged in or ready to engage in combat
combatant adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on combatant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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