military

1 of 2

adjective

mil·​i·​tary ˈmi-lə-ˌter-ē 

1

a

: of or relating to soldiers, arms, or war

military discipline/life/service

the country's military needs

a military career

b

: of or relating to armed forces

especially : of or relating to ground or sometimes ground and air forces as opposed to naval forces

military and naval affairs

2

a

: performed or made by armed forces

military operations

b

: supported by armed force

a military government

a military coup

3

: of or relating to the army

the military academy at West Point

military

2 of 2

noun

plural military also militaries

1

: military persons

especially : army officers

2

: armed forces

Synonyms of military

Adjective

• martial
• naval
• service

Noun

• troops
• soldiers

Examples of military in a Sentence

Adjective

He is being tried in a military court rather than in a civilian court.

He has had a long military career.

Noun

There were many military present but only a few civilians.

some would insist that the military's budget is still inadequate

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Despite being away, Biya has continued to make key decisions from abroad, including a major military reshuffle announced earlier this month. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

The coup brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power, with his military junta vowing to restore security. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Noun

Ukraine also launched another attack on the premises of Wildberries, Russia’s biggest online retailer, which Kyiv says helps supply the Russian military. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Separate airport communications case The second case involves a Chinese man in his 60s who police said also previously served in the Chinese military. — Yoonjung Seo, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English, from Latin militaris, from milit-, miles soldier

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing military

• anti-military
• full military honors
• military brat
• military-industrial complex
• military police
• military press
• military science
• military service
• military time
• the military

Rhymes for military

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

military

1 of 2 adjective

mil·​i·​tary ˈmil-ə-ˌter-ē 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of soldiers, arms, or war

military discipline

2

: carried on or supported by armed force

a military government

3

: of or relating to the army

military and naval affairs

military

2 of 2 noun

plural military

1

: armed forces

2

: military persons

especially : army officers